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Thursday, August 15, 2013

CHART OF THE DAY: When Will People Actually Use Android Tablets? (GOOG, AAPL)

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-when-will-people-actually-use-android-tablets-2013-8

Apple CEO Tim Cook likes to make fun of Android tablets.

He says that despite all the Android-based tablets that are flooding the market, services that measure web-usage show no one is really using Android tablets.

On the company's most recent earnings call, Cook said the latest data shows the iPad has 84% of web browser usage in North America.

He added, "I don't know what [Android tablets] are being used for because that’s a pretty, the basic function is web browser."

In the past he's said, "I don't know what these other tablets are doing. They must be in warehouses, or on store shelves, or maybe in somebody's bottom drawer!"

It's a funny line, and it's an interesting point. Android reportedly has 63% of the tablet market, but only 16% of the web traffic. What gives? And will it last?

Sameer Singh took a look at the state of web usage for Android around the world. He used Statcounter, which tracks 3 million websites. He found that the iPad is dominating Android around the world.

He wanted to see if Android tablets are just off to a slow start. He compared web traffic share on Android tablets 18 months after the iPad launched to web traffic on Android smartphones 18 months after the iPhone launched.

With the exception of Asia, Android tablets are lagging behind Android smartphones in terms of share. We don't know what this means for the future, but it looks like Android isn't getting a massive traffic spike in tablets like it did with smartphones.

Join the conversation about this story »

Philips wins award for as yet unannounced 65-inch 4K TV

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/15/philips-uhd-ifa-2013/

How do we know that Philips will unveil a 65-inch 4K television at IFA on September 5th? Because that same, unannounced device has just won the European Ultra HD TV of 2013-14 award. The self-congratulatory press release mentions that the Ambilight XL-packing hardware will be offered at a "significantly lower" price point than current UHD sets, which generally retail for upwards of $7,000 for this sort of screen size. There's no word on how much cheaper this new unit will be, but we're hoping that Philips has updated its (slightly clunky) smart TV interface to complement the eye-watering resolution.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Via: Pocket-lint

These 3D-Printed Titanium Watches Will Probably Outlive You

Source: http://gizmodo.com/these-3d-printed-titanium-watches-will-probably-outlive-1137075801

These 3D-Printed Titanium Watches Will Probably Outlive You

Titanium is one of those rare wonder materials that sounds like it could only exist in the movies as a fanciful plot device. It's real, though, and stronger and lighter than steel, which makes it a little tricky to work with. That is, unless you grind it into a powder and recombobulate it into any shape you want with a 3D laser printer—like the folks at rvnDSGN did for this lovely collection of titanium wristpieces.

Flipboard iOS app update introduces animated GIF support

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/14/flipboard-ios-app-update-gif-support/

Flipboard users with Android devices have been able to enjoy the mindless fun of animated GIFs for some time now, but their iOS counterparts have only been able to look on in envy. Casual hyperbole aside, Flipboard's latest iOS update -- available today -- brings GIF support to the app along with a slew of GIF-friendly magazines for your perusing pleasure. Now, GIF aficionados (is there such a thing?) can enjoy titles like Just GIF It, GIF Pop and GIF Me a Break. The update also includes top stories in the tech, news, business and sports sections as well as the obligatory bug fixes. You can get your paws on the update by clicking on the iTunes link below.

Filed under: Software, Mobile

Source: Flipboard, iTunes

Tinkercad lets you export 3D designs into Minecraft

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/14/tinkercad-minecraft/

Tinkercad, that Autodesk-owned, user-friendly 3D modeler is offering up a new feature today that may well prove a compelling proposition for Minecraft users. Fans of the block building, monster-fleeing indie title can now use the service to export 3D creations into the game, by way of MCEdit. The whole process looks pretty straight forward to us, but just in case, we've embedded a video after the break that'll give you a soundtracked version of what we just told you.

Intel teases MXC: a 1.6Tbps optical interconnect for servers

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/14/intel-teases-mxc/

While we think of optical connections as cutting edge, they're positively decrepit in server rooms; current fiber interconnect technology got its start in the 1980s. Intel may soon drag servers into the modern era with its just-teased MXC format, however. The standard (not pictured here) will combine both silicon photonics and a new form of Corning fiber to link servers at 1.6Tbps -- more than quick enough to eliminate many data bottlenecks. The connectors themselves are smaller, too. Intel won't say more about MXC until the Intel Developer Forum next month in San Francisco, but we already suspect that supercomputer operators will be happy with all that extra bandwidth.

Filed under: Desktops, Networking, Intel

Via: PCWorld

Source: Intel

Kinect app that turns any surface into a touchscreen now available, starts at $149

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/15/kinect-ubi-software-touchscreen/

With several companies developing technologies that can turn any surface into a touchscreen, it should be widely available soon. Those who want to try it out before it's cool, however, should look towards Ubi Interactive's software that combines the talents of Microsoft's Kinect for Windows sensor and a projector. So long as the software's installed on a Windows 8 computer, the sensor tracks and detects movements users make on the projected image. Interactions are the same as any tablet or smartphone, including launching icons by tapping on them and expanding areas with pinch-to-zoom. Merely a concept in 2012, the software is now available on Ubi's website with prices ranging from $149 to $1,499, depending on the display size and the type of customer support. Sounds like even an Average Joe can nab one, assuming they already have a projector and one of Microsoft's $250 motion / voice detectors.

Filed under: Misc, Microsoft

Via: CNET

Source: Kinect for Windows, Ubi Interactive

Researchers develop energy saving smart window that filters out heat and / or light

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/15/smart-window-nanocrystals/

In the heat of summer, either you shut the windows and crank up the AC, or pull down the blinds and stumble around in the gloom. At least, that was the case. A team at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has developed a new smart window that lets people choose what they want to let into their home, filtering out visible light, near-infra-red light, or both. Using a thin layer of nanocrystals that change state when electricity is passed through, will enable people to save on home energy bills by keeping the bulk of the Sun's heat out of the home without sacrificing the natural light. Now all we have to do is hook this up with one of Samsung's touchscreen windows and we'll never have to leave home again.

Filed under: Science, Alt

Via: PhysOrg

Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Audi teases 700HP hybrid Quattro Sport e-Tron Concept, A8 Matrix LED lighting

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/15/audi-quattro-sport-etron-hybrid-a8-matrix-led/

We're still a few weeks out from this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, but that hasn't stopped Audi from showing off concept sketches of its hybrid supercar, the Quattro Sport E-Tron. According to Autoblog, the car will debut at the show sporting a twin-turbo V8 is similar to what's found in the company's RS6, but it has an electric motor bolted on to help it hit 700HP and a 200MPH-plus top speed. Being that it's a hybrid, you can operate solely on battery power, but for only 21.7 miles at a time -- so, if you're looking for something with a little more range, we have a few practical suggestions.

Now for news on a model we might be able to actually afford, the A8. Prior to the 2015 model's unveiling, Audi is teasing a few features ahead of time. The A8's exterior lighting got a massive upgrade with the Matrix LED headlamp system, which can auto-dim or shut the highbeams down entirely thanks to a camera that senses other vehicles. Audi didn't neglect the tail lights, either. The turn signals on the luxury sedan now sports 24 LEDs that illuminate sequentially in the direction of the turn, from the inside out. For more info, you'll have to dive into the press release below or check out the model's coming out party on August 21st, right here.

Filed under: Transportation

Via: Autoblog (1), (2)

Source: Fortitude

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Haptix wants to turn every surface into a multi-touch controller

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/14/haptix/

Motion-based PC interfaces are all the rage, thanks to Microsoft's Kinect and the folks at Leap Motion. San Francisco-based Haptix is sure it's got a better solution than the rest, but it needs a healthy $100,000 to get there. The company's got a Kickstarter page going for its self-titled peripheral that can be clipped to a device or placed on a table to offer up both a 3D sensing layer in the air and a multi-touch layer on a flat surface. The dual layers give you more ways to interact with your device, and a chance to rest your palm on the table, when the whole reaching out thing proves too tiring. In the Kickstarter pitch video below, you'll also see a Haptix picking up brushstrokes, which could certainly have some cool implications for artists.

Filed under: Peripherals

Source: Kickstarter

How Prescription Drugs Get Such Weird Names

Source: http://gizmodo.com/how-prescription-drugs-get-such-weird-names-1132759044

How Prescription Drugs Get Such Weird Names

Prescription pharmaceuticals tend to have some pretty weird and wonderful names: Bremabecestat, Vepoloxamer, Nexbolizumab, Orilotimod. They sound more like characters from sci-fi films than something you'd want to ingest. So where the hell do they come from?

How Philips Hue Light Bulbs Are Highly Hackable

Source: http://gizmodo.com/how-philips-hue-light-bulbs-are-highly-hackable-1133092324

How Philips Hue Light Bulbs Are Highly Hackable

If you're the proud owner of some smart Philips Hue light bulbs, watch out for blackouts—because the bulbs seem to be susceptible to malicious attacks according to new research.

Samsung Hennessy is official: a dual-screen flip-phone with a quad-core CPU

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/14/samsung-hennessy-official-dual-screen-flip-phone/

While we'd like to feign surprise at Samsung's official reveal of another dual-screen Android flip phone, yesterday's leak gave us ample warning. Samsung's Chinese website has officially outed the Hennessy (W789), and it boasts a pair of 3.3-inch 320x480 touch displays and runs Android 4.1 on a 1.2GHz quad-core CPU. The outer screen is bordered by a trio of capacitive keys, allowing folks to zip through Google's OS, as per usual. When it comes to other internals, the hardware packs a 1,500mAh battery, microSD slot, 5-megapixel rear camera and dual SIM support for CDMA and GSM radios. Naturally, the hardware also includes GPS and connectivity over Bluetooth and WiFi. Word on a release date, pricing or whether the device will see other territories still hasn't surfaced, but its GSM compatibility may inspire hope that imported units could work stateside. Now that the Hennessy has made its debut, it can't be long before the curtains are pulled back on the leak-prone Galaxy Folder.

Gallery: Samsung Hennessy dual-screen flip-phone

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

Via: Pocket-lint

Source: Samsung (Translated)

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Use Ad blocking software creatively

Source: http://missakins.kinja.com/use-ad-blocking-software-creatively-1063977745

Use Ad blocking software creatively

I use AdBlock for Chrome and it works marvelously for me. I feel like I would not want to be online without it. In addition to blocking ads I've also found several creative uses for it.

MedSnap ID for iOS: Identify Pills & Potential Interactions In 1 Photo

Source: http://gizmodo.com/medsnap-id-for-ios-identify-pills-potential-interact-1127411537

MedSnap ID for iOS: Identify Pills & Potential Interactions In 1 Photo

For some people, taking up to 12 different medications a day has become the unfortunate norm. And when you add another one into that already complicated heap, it isn't always easy to identify the potentially harmful interactions in your own personal prescription cocktail. MedSnap hopes to simplify that problem by both identifying your pills and their potential interactions all through one, simple snapped photograph.

Apple reportedly acquires video discovery service Matcha.tv

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/13/apple-reportedly-acquires-video-discovery-service-matcha-tv/

It's time to add another entry on our "Apple television rumors" timeline, as reports tonight indicate the company has acquired the team behind the second screen web / iPad app Matcha.tv. VentureBeat initially posted news of the acquisition at a price of between $1 and $1.5 million, which would appear to explain the aggregator's sudden disappearance back in May. If you weren't familiar with it before now, Matcha.tv was one of a number of efforts seeking to enable content discovery from mobile devices. By the time it closed its doors, it included TV listings of what's on cable / satellite, queues for online streaming from services like Netflix and Hulu, personalized recommendations and social network tie-ins. CEO Guy Piekarz told TechCrunch in May that the company has a "plan to provide something better in the future." We'll wait and see if speculation leans towards an IR blaster tie-in for the iPhone similar to the Galaxy S 4 and HTC One, controls for an integrated living room TV experience or something else entirely.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Apple

Source: VentureBeat, AllThingsD, Matcha.tv

Samsung unveils first SSDs with 3D V-NAND memory, but only for enterprise

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/13/samsung-unveils-first-ssds-with-3d-v-nand-memory/

Well, that was quick. Samsung said it was producing the world's first 3D vertical NAND memory just a week ago, and it has already started building the first SSDs based on that memory. Unfortunately, they're not meant for the enthusiast crowd: the new 480GB and 960GB drives are instead designed for enterprise-class servers, where V-NAND's blend of high capacity and reliability makes the most sense. Don't be too forlorn, however. Samsung promises that the new memory will eventually reach PC-oriented SSDs, which could bring spacious flash storage to a much wider audience.

Filed under: Storage, Samsung

Source: Samsung

Acer Aspire S7 review (2013): the second time's a charm for Acer's flagship Ultrabook

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/13/acer-aspire-s7-392-review/

It wasn't easy writing a conclusion (much less a headline) for our original Acer Aspire S7-391 review. The company's third Ultrabook was near-perfect, with a stunning full HD display, exceptionally fast performance, an extra-light chassis and one of the most sophisticated designs we'd seen on any Acer machine, ever. Even so, the battery could barely last past the four-hour mark -- a poor showing, even compared to other machines on the market. Plus, the fan noise was some of the loudest we'd heard, so you couldn't enjoy that blazing SSD without a good deal of distraction. We ultimately recommended it, but with a sigh. This wasn't the Ultrabook we thought it would be.

Fortunately for us, we no longer have to hem and haw over whether to recommend an exquisite laptop with worst-in-class battery life: Acer recently released an update to the S7, aptly called the S7-392. Available with a 13-inch screen (the 11-inch version has been discontinued), it arrives with Haswell processors, a larger battery and the promise of seven-hour runtime. Additionally, Acer retooled its cooling setup so that the fans supposedly operate much more quietly. Otherwise, it's the same laptop: same keyboard, same thin and light design, same 1080p screen. So can we crown it a winner now?

Gallery: Acer Aspire S7-392 review

Filed under: Laptops, Acer

Samsung's 55-inch Curved OLED TV ships today for a sufferable $9,000 (eyes-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/13/samsungs-curved-oled-tv-shipping/

Any way you look at it, nine thousand dollars is a heck of a lot to spend on a television. But in the case of Samsung's 55-inch Curved OLED set, it's a fair share less than the $15,000 we heard quoted just last month. Just like LG's equivalent, the Samsung KN55S9C was designed with a curved profile in order to "envelope" viewers -- your viewing experience is improved, in theory, because you're more immersed in the display. The OLED set includes the company's Multi-View feature, which lets two people watch different programming at the same time when using compatible active 3D glasses, and it's compatible with the Evolution Kit Samsung introduced at CES. The 55-inch KN55S9C is on its way to select retailers, and can be yours for the considerable sum of $9,000.

Gallery: Samsung 55-inch curved OLED eyes-on

Update: The set will be available tomorrow (August 14th) on Samsung.com. Additionally, Consumer Reports has already managed to review the TV, giving the Samsung KN55S9C high marks, despite its sky-high price.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Samsung

Monday, August 12, 2013

Chase goes all in on Isis, announces plans for nationwide rollout

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/12/chase-isis-nationwide/

We'd hardly call Isis a juggernaut, but the would-be Google Wallet-slayer is certainly building steam. After convincing American Express to back it in a nationwide rollout, Chase has decided to hop on the expansion train as well. The mobile payment launch partner is clearly quite happy with how pilot programs in Austin, Texas and Salt Lake City, Utah went. Soon enough holders of Chase Freedom, Sapphire and Slate cards, along with those special people in possession of a JPMorgan Palladium card will be able to load their accounts into the Isis Mobile Wallet app and tap to pay at retail locations across the nation. Of course, if you're part of the one percent, walking around with your Palladium card, chances are you probably don't wander into to Walgreens to pick up your own Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder very often anyway.

Filed under: Misc, Mobile

NASA Satellites Can Even Make a Devastating Drought Look Incredible

Source: http://gizmodo.com/nasa-satellites-can-even-make-a-devastating-drought-loo-1108974715

NASA Satellites Can Even Make a Devastating Drought Look Incredible

Watching the animation above, it's hard not to get goosebumps when the the clock hits 2012 and the whole United States goes red. That's what it looks like from space when the Earth is parched.

Sony's rumored QX10 and QX100 'lens cameras' pair with your smartphone or tablet, pictured ahead of release

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/12/sonys-qx10-qx100-lens-cameras/

Now this is innovation, folks. Sony's reportedly gearing up to announce a pair of "lens cameras" that attach to your existing smartphone or tablet. The unique devices are said to feature a sensor, processor, zoom lens, WiFi connectivity and an SD card slot, but no display or other typical controls (beyond a zoom toggle and perhaps a shutter release). You'll use your handset or slate to control the lens, adjust framing and transmit images. According to SonyAlphaRumors, the electronics giant is expected to release two models: the DSC-QX10 (pictured above) and the DSC-QX100. The latter will ship with the same 1-inch sensor used with the RX100 Mark II, while the other lens will include a larger 10x focal range and a 1/2.3-inch 18-megapixel CMOS sensor. There's no word on pricing or availability, but with Sony's IFA press conference right around the corner, we'll likely get the full scoop (and hopefully some hands-on time) come September 4th.

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Tablets

Source: SonyAlphaRumors

Sunday, August 11, 2013

See NYC From a New Angle With These Awesomely Nerdy Maps

Source: http://gizmodo.com/see-nyc-from-a-new-angle-with-these-awesomely-nerdy-map-1093545954

See NYC From a New Angle With These Awesomely Nerdy Maps

On July 25, data fans rejoiced when New York City government opened up a gigantic amount geospatial data to the public. The dataset, PLUTO, is “a real-world version of SIm City” based on tax lot data (it sounds less interesting than it is). Now, maps based on PLUTP are hitting the web—and these are some of the coolest.

NSA releases outline of security programs, says it 'only' touches 1.6 percent of internet traffic

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/09/nsa-releases-outline-of-security-programs-says-it-only-touche/

Even as President Obama proposes a review of NSA procedures and oversight, the organization published a seven page document laying out in broad terms what it does, how it does it and why it thinks that's OK. As Ars Technica points out, the memo claims "We do not need to sacrifice civil liberties for the sake of national security; both are integral to who we are as Americans. NSA can and will continue to conduct its operations in a manner that respects both." While many would argue those points in light of the many programs recently uncovered, the NSA has a response there also:

According to figures published by a major tech provider, the Internet carries 1,826 Petabytes of information per day. In its foreign intelligence mission, NSA touches about 1.6% of that. However, of the 1.6% of the data, only 0.025% is actually selected for review. The net effect is that NSA analysts look at 0.00004% of the world's traffic in conducting their mission - that's less than one part in a million. Put another way, if a standard basketball court represented the global communications environment, NSA's total collection would be represented by an area smaller than a dime on that basketball court.

Other sections go on to detail how it believes American citizen's information could be picked up, and what it does to identify and minimize that data. Particularly illuminating is the six point process (listed after the break) by which it applies Executive Order 12333, considered "the foundational authority by which NSA collects, retains, analyzes, and disseminates foreign signals intelligence information" alongside the Foreign Intelligence Service Act of 1978 (FISA). It's highly doubtful that any of these points will change your level of comfort with the policies and programs revealed or feelings about their need to change, but reading the document linked below may give some insight about how and why they were created.

Filed under: Internet

Via: Ars Technica

Source: NSA (PDF)

Smart's Fortwo ED leasing for $139/ month, battery rental included

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/10/smart-fourtwo-price-drop/

Assuming you're small enough to fit comfortably, owning the cheap EV of your dreams could soon become a reality. Chevy recently cut the Volt's price and, as of this week, the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is available for less, too. Specifically, it's $139 per month on a three-year, 30,000 mile lease that includes its "battery assurance plus" program, an $80 per month option for purchasers. However, to get that special rate, you'll have to put $1,999 down and sign paperwork either in California, Oregon or along the East coast. If you'd rather buy outright instead of leasing, Daimler's compact division has incentives for you, too. In addition to any tax breaks you get from the state and or federal government, the company is knocking $5,010 off the ED's already low $25,000 sticker price. It's finally looking like your payments could match the electric two-seater's diminutive stature.

Filed under: Transportation

Source: Autoblog (1), (2)

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Guys That Invented Encrypted Email Say Email Can Never Be Safe From NSA Snooping

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/silent-circle-shutters-private-email-service-2013-8

Phil Zimmerman

Silent Circle, a company founded by Internet Hall of famer Phil Zimmermann, famous privacy expert Jon Callas, and a couple of Navy Seals, has shut down its secure email service.

They shuttered it because email can't be secured in a way that would prevent a government agency like the NSA from snooping, the founders said.

All email messages "leak metadata" they say. That information includes data about who you are talking to and where you are. That info is visible even if the message itself is encrypted.

"E-mail as we know it today is fundamentally broken from a privacy perspective," Callas says. That's a pretty strong statement coming from this particular guy.

Zimmermann and Callas were the creators and cofounders of Pretty Good Privacy in the 1990s. PGP was one of first technologies to encrypt email to prevent spying.

Last year, they launched a new service, Silent Circle, that encrypts mobile phone calls, video calls and texts. Since smartphones also handle email, Silent Circle was encrypting email.

But now it's pulling the plug on the email portion of their service. The company says that it has not been asked to add a back door or to turn over emails. It is closing the service preemptively.

If you want to see what someone can learn about you by looking at your email metadata, here's a tool called Immersion that will show you. It was created by a team at the MIT Media Lab.

SEE ALSO: 10 Awesome Apps To Protect Your Smartphone

Join the conversation about this story »

Friday, August 09, 2013

This Multi-Camera Rig Lets Sports Fans Watch Any Angle They Want

Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-multi-camera-rig-lets-sports-fans-watch-any-angle-1077067721

This Multi-Camera Rig Lets Sports Fans Watch Any Angle They Want

There's usually a talented director calling the shots at televised live events like sports or a concert, but researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute want to put some of the control in the hands of the viewer at home. They've developed the OmniCam360, an ultra-compact 360 degree camera weighing in at just over 30 pounds that can be easily set up by a single operator.

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