Continental gets automated vehicle approved for Nevada roads

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/20/continental-highly-automated-vehicle-approved-nevada/

Google isn't the only outfit puttering around Nevada roads with its hands off the wheel -- German automotive supplier Continental has the state's approval to let the computer take the wheel, too. Earlier this week the Silver State signed off on the German company's safety, employee training, system function and accident reporting plans, granting Continental a testing license and adorning its vehicles with red license plates. It's the very same treatment Mountain View received back in May -- but Continental's cars aren't exactly direct competitors to Google's fare.

The company's "highly automated vehicles" are more of an advanced cruise control system than a self driving car -- capable of navigating stop and go traffic on a freeway, for example, but still requiring the driver to take control as their exit draws near. Continental sees the partially autonomous vehicle as a stepping stone to fully automated cars, and plans to offer the partial solution between 2016 and 2020, switching up to fully automated driving systems by 2025. The company hopes refine its testing to meet this goal in Nevada, putting its stereo camera and sensor equipped vehicle through freeway and rush-hour trials in real traffic. The company's ultimate goal, of course, is to eliminate accidents and fatalities on the road. Check out the firm's official PR after the break.

Continue reading Continental gets automated vehicle approved for Nevada roads

Filed under: Transportation

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Via: Verge, Wired

Source: Continental

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Imo's iPad app augmented with free voice calling, enhanced photo sharing

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/20/imo-im-ipad-update/

When Imo crammed free voice calling into its iPhone application, it neglected to port the functionality to its large-screened counterpart. Now, the iPad version of Imo.im is catching up -- adding VoIP support over 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi to other Imo users across iOS and Android. The latest version of the instant messaging aggregator boasts revamped photo tools too, featuring group photo sharing and real-time image uploads. These tweaks accompany a slew of design changes, including a color-coded status indicator bar and similar hue-based notifications for contact availability. Standard stuff, really, but that shouldn't stop iPad-toting chatterboxes from heading to the source link and giving the app a whirl.

Continue reading Imo's iPad app augmented with free voice calling, enhanced photo sharing

Filed under: Tablets, Mobile

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Source: iTunes

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Flipboard lands on Android tablets, now supports Nexus 10

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/20/flipboard-lands-on-android-tablets-now-supports-nexus-10/

It's no secret that we're big fans of Flipboard here at Engadget, but there's one thing we've been longing for: a tablet-optimized Android version. Until now, running the app on the Nexus 10 (by sideloading the APK) or even the Nexus 7 (officially supported) meant living with a scaled-up phone experience. Today, Flipboard is getting updated in the Play Store to supports a variety of Android tablets such as Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1, the Galaxy Tab series and the Nexus 10. A setting lets you chose between phone and tablet modes, which is useful for mid-size devices like Amazon's Kindle Fire, the Nook and the Nexus 7. Flipboard worked closely with Samsung to optimize the app and take advantage of larger, higher resolution displays. This means more of your favorite tiles, larger story snippets and landscape support (at last). We spent a few hours using Flipboard's new app for Android and came away suitably impressed -- anyone familiar with the iPad version will feel right at home. PR after the break.

Continue reading Flipboard lands on Andr! oid tabl ets, now supports Nexus 10

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, Google

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Source: Flipboard (Google Play)

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Forrester report finds US tablet ownership doubled this year

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/20/forrester-2012-report/

Forrester Research has come out with its annual report on technology consumption in the US, and tablets are certainly gaining popularity. Although slightly lower than Pew Research's figures, Forrester deduced from its nigh 60,000-strong survey that 19 percent of 'mericans over the age of 18 own at least one tablet -- double the number the research outfit noted last year. While tech penetration is lowest among adults aged 47 and up, 14 percent of this demographic now have slates, which again is twice the figure recorded in 2011. Another notable stat that's risen is daily internet use, with 84 percent of adults hopping online every day (up from 78 percent last year), and approximately half of those owning a smartphone of some variety. TVs are pretty well connected also, as 43 percent of the plugged-in population has accessed the net from their living rooms, with games consoles being by far the most popular intermediary. The whole report isn't available to the public, but why not use the time you would've spent reading it inspecting what's under the tree, and hoping you'll be responsible for upping those tablet stats in next year's report.

Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops, Lap! tops , Tablets, Internet

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Via: TAUW

Source: TechCrunch, Forrester Research (1), (2)

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Acer eases mystery Iconia B1-A71 Tab past FCC, GLBenchmark shows modest specs

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/20/acer-eases-mystery-iconia-b1-a71-tab-past-fcc-glbenchmark-shows/

Acer looks ready to launch an entry-level tablet into the market judging by an FCC application that popped up today along with an earlier GLBenchmark leak. The test site's report shows a likely 7-inch or so tab with a 1,024 x 600 display, Android 4.1.2 Jellybean, 1.2GHz dual-core processor and PowerVR SGX 531 GPU along with distinctly non-barnburning test results. Those specs now look quite credible when combined with the new FCC document, which shows it sporting WiFi radios but no other wireless radios like 3G or LTE. The company has been mum so far about when or where such a device would arrive and at what cost, but judging by the above, it's unlikely to break any banks. Check the source if parsing radio reports is your bag.

Filed under: Tablets, Acer

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Source: FCC, GLBenchmark

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MetroPCS intros 4-inch ZTE Avid 4G, brings LTE and ICS for a mere $149

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/20/metropcs-zte-avid-4g/

Despite announcing a couple of budget-friendly handset options in recent months, it's clear MetroPCS doesn't plan to stay put, as the company today let it be known that it's making yet another addition to its affordable Android lineup. And while the newfangled Avid 4G will come on the cheap, it could still be seen as a much better choice than that other pricier ZTE offering on MetroPCS -- albeit the former is carrying a slightly smaller 4-inch, 800 x 480 display, though it does come with a similar (unspecified) 1.2GHz dual-core CPU and a much fresher version of Google's OS (Ice Cream Sandwich). In addition, ZTE's Avid 4G also features a 5-megapixel camera on the back (VGA on the front), the ability to turn into a mobile hotspot with a few extra bucks per month and, naturally, LTE connectivity. For the relatively small amount of $149, and without any contracts attached, it wouldn't surprise us if the new Wireless for All smartphone on the block ends up gift wrapped in some places come next week's festivities. Speaking of which, folks interested can snag the Avid 4G now from the carrier's site, otherwise a quick trip to the nearest MetroPCS retail store should suffice.

Continue reading MetroPCS intros! 4-inch ZTE Avid 4G, brings LTE and ICS for a mere $149

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile

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Source: MetroPCS

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Deezer, Eurosport and Napster coming later this month to LG Smart TVs in the UK

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/19/lg-smart-tv-apps/

Over the past few months, we have seen LG slowly but surely increase the amount of entertainment content in its Smart TV platform, with apps such as Verizon FiOS (in the US) and Disney rentals among the latest inclusions. Today, the Korean outfit announced there are more of applications coming to its 2012-range television ecosystem, although these newcomers won't be available worldwide -- that said, owners in the UK will soon be able to enjoy what Napster, Deezer and Eurosport have to offer from the comfort of their own couch, which should make a nice addition to LG's current app repertoire. All three new applications are said to be available in "mid-December," so you should expect 'em to show up on that sleek TV of yours any moment now.

Continue reading Deezer, Eurosport and Napster coming later this month to LG Smart TVs in the UK

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Software, HD, LG

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Source: LG

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5-inch ZTE U887 enters the low-end phablet fray

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/19/5-inch-zte-u887-low-end-phablet/

Hot on the heels of the Samsung Galaxy Grand, a lower-end Galaxy Note II alternative announced yesterday, ZTE is trotting out a dual-core phablet of its own: the U887. According to Gizchina and the TENAA certification database, the device sports a 5-inch 800 x 480 display and runs a dual-core 1.2GHz MT6577 chip with 512MB of RAM. It's also dual-band for China, sporting support for both TD-SCDMA and GSM networks. Looks-wise, the U887 isn't a far cry from ZTE's higher-end Nubia Z5 -- at least based on the image we've seen -- although it packs a 5-megapixel rear camera rather than the 13MP shooter on the quad-core Z5. As with the upcoming Galaxy Grand, pricing and availability info for the ZTE U887 remains MIA, but that's sure to surface in the coming months.

Filed under: Cellphones

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Via: Mobile Magazine

Source: Gizchina, TENAA

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Sceptre teases 2013 lineup that includes near-borderless TVs, WiFi sound bar

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/19/sceptre-teases-2013-lineup-that-includes-near-borderless-tvs/

Sceptre isn't waiting for CES to give a peek at what its home theater roster will bring. This year, the budget-focused company is hoping to take on the extra-minimalist TVs we've seen from Samsung and LG. Its 32- to 55-inch Rimless series wraps an LED-backlit LCD with a 4mm-thick bezel. Some of its overall TV line should also have MHL-capable HDMI ports to take video from mobile devices or a Roku Streaming Stick. Scepter's audio focus may be the most unique part of its lineup, however: it should have the first compact, 2.1-channel sound bar with WiFi, turning older TVs into connected models. There's more coming, including a 1080p in-car camera, so check after the break for the lineup we know so far.

Continue reading Sceptre teases 2013 lineup that includes near-borderless TVs, WiFi sound bar

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Source: Sceptre

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Google Apps for Business users receive Quickoffice for iPad as a freebie

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/19/google-apps-for-business-receive-quickoffice-for-ipad/

If Google recently caught you off-guard with its announcement that Google Apps would move to a $50 per user model, perhaps some free software will help restore balance to your world. Today, the company announced a free version of Quickoffice for the iPad, which is an exclusive perk for users of Google Apps for Business. The software suite allows users to view, edit and create Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents, and as proof that integration isn't lost on Google, all files are stored to Google Drive. For the moment, only iPad users will be treated to this free version of Quickoffice, but Google insists that iPhone and Android versions are on the way. If you'll recall, this is the same bit of software that Google purchased earlier this year. Nice to see it's being put to good use.

Filed under: Software, Google

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Via: TechCrunch

Source: App Store

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Samsung to release Verizon developer edition Galaxy Note II

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/19/samsung-verizon-developer-edition-galaxy-note-ii/

Samsung gave devs an unlockable version of its Verizon flavored flagship, the GSIII, mere months ago, and now the Korean firm has seen fit to do the same for its phablet. That's right, folks, you'll soon be able to get a dev edition 16GB Galaxy Note II with all that amazing VZW branding you know and hate love. Of course, while the product page is live on Sammy's site, it hasn't announced availability or pricing for this freed Note II, but we do know it'll have that beautiful 5.5-inch HD Super AMOLED screen and come with Android 4.1. So, it appears we won't be getting everything we wanted for Christmas this year, but it's nice to have something to look forward to.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung, Verizon

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Via: Phandroid

Source: Samsung

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Automatically Send Starred Google Reader Articles to Pocket or Instapaper

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5969460/automatically-send-starred-google-reader-articles-to-pocket-or-instapaper

Bookmark and Read Later apps like Pocket, Instapaper, and Readability are awesome ways to store and catch up on the interesting articles you find online, but if you use Google Reader, saving those articles is a multi-step process. Here's an IFTTT recipe that will send articles to your favorite service in one keystroke.

IFTTT, our favorite webapp-automating service, has actions for Pocket, Instapaper, and Readability built-in. All you need to do is create a recipe (like this one from user masemase) that adds an item to Pocket, Instapaper, or Readability whenever you star it in Google Reader. That way, as you're flying through your RSS feeds, you can star anything that looks interesting and check it out in your favorite app later on.

Read your starred items from Google Reader in Instapaper | IFTTT via @IFTTT

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A Stunning Two Billion Pixel Photo Is the Safest Way To Explore Mount Everest

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5969706/a-stunning-two-billion-pixel-photo-is-the-safest-way-to-explore-mount-everest

Not only has filmmaker David Breashears climbed Mount Everest on five different occasions, he's visited the world's tallest peak 15 times in his career as he works to document the effects of climate change on the mountain. And fortunately for those of us who will never have the chance to see Everest in real life, let alone climb it, Breashers created a stunning gigapixel photo of the mountain and the Khumbu glacier earlier in the year.

The final composite, which can be panned, zoomed, and viewed on the GlacierWorks website, was assembled from almost 400 separate shots taken with a 300 millimeter zoom lens. It's so detailed you can apparently even see climbers making an ascent, and one of the base camps full of tents, all from the comfort and warmth of your couch. [GlacierWorks via NPR via Washington Post]

Image by David Breashears/GlacierWorks

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Samsung ATIV S review: the Galaxy S III, repackaged for Windows Phone 8

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/19/samsung-ativ-s-review/

Samsung was one of the first to join the Windows Phone parade with the Focus, and was quick to follow up with devices like the Focus S. It's been unusually conservative with Windows Phone 8, however: the ATIV S ($100 on contract through Bell Canada) is the last of the big three flagships to arrive in 2012, following weeks after the HTC Windows Phone 8X and Nokia Lumia 920 went on sale. Some would argue that Samsung has been especially conservative with the ATIV S, given that it shares the same 4.8-inch screen, Snapdragon S4 processor, cameras and overarching design traits with Sammy's other flagship phone, the Galaxy S III. There's a real worry that someone visiting the carrier store will see both devices and pick the Galaxy simply through name recognition alone.

And yet, they're not entirely cut from the same cloth: there's a design twist or two, a larger battery and, of course, a switch to an entirely different ecosystem. Some will want the phone to try Windows Phone's simpler, at-a-glance interface concept; others are shopping solely inside of Microsoft's universe and want to know if expandable storage and Samsung's custom app suite fend off rivals. We already have lots to like, but there are a few punctures in the AT! IV S' fa ux-metal armor that will keep it from being the handset for everyone, even if they do prefer Windows Phone. Read on and you'll see why.

Gallery: Samsung ATIV S review

Continue reading Samsung ATIV S review: the Galaxy S III, repackaged for Windows Phone 8

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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W3C completes HTML5 definition, starts interoperability testing

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/18/w3c-completes-html5-definition/

Long heralded as the darling of the open web, the standards for HTML5 haven't actually been finalized by the W3C -- it was just recently that the international consortium pledged to get it done by 2014. So it's good to hear the group just hit a significant milestone on the road to that goal by publishing the full definition for the spec this Tuesday. With that accomplished, the next step is interoperability and performance testing to make sure HTML5 plays nice with any and all browsers, servers and other web tools. The W3C hopes that this will bring "broad HTML 5 interoperability" by 2014, which fits right in to the organization's philosophy of bringing the entirety of the web -- however divisive -- together.

Filed under: Internet

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Via: The Inquirer

Source: W3C

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