Google's Cloud Storage Could Launch In the Coming Weeks [Google Drive]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5883648/googles-cloud-storage-could-launch-in-the-coming-weeks

According to the Wall Street Journal, Google is closer than ever to launching the company's cloud-based storage service that will rival now established services like Dropbox and Apple's iCloud. In fact, it could be available in just a few weeks.

Like Dropbox, which offers various tiers of online storage for your files and documents, Google will offer a standard free account, though specifics on how many gigs of data you can upload without paying aren't known just yet. However, if the data cap on the free account isn't sufficient for your needs, a paid version will also be available, with Google aiming to undercut the cost of existing cloud based services.

And unlike Apple's iCloud which caters to the company's iOS devices, Google's cloud storage services will not be exclusive to the millions of Android devices on the market. Instead, like the company's other services, it will be easily accessible on a wide variety of devices, including the iPhone and iPad, Apple permitting of course. [WSJ]

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Lytro Teardown Reveals Its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Capabilities [Cameras]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5883653/lytro-teardown-reveals-its-wi+fi-and-bluetooth-capabilities

The focus-free Lytro camera is so good that Steve Jobs reportedly wanted to roll the technology into the iPhone. Though it's not quite ready for sale yet, a teardown has revealed that the camera is capable of communicating via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The long, boxy camera has plenty of room for guts, so its nice to find out that it's home to some impressive technology. The pictures from the teardown show us some stuff we already know about, like the fictional-sounding 11 Megaray image sensor and its tiny 1.5-inch LCD screen.

But elsewhere, there's a Marvell Avastar chip, which offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, meaning that the Lytro should be able to offer wireless transfer of images. The camera also has a Zoran processor — though we're not quite sure what that's for — and some on-board flash storage.

The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make what was an already-exciting product even more tempting: the ability to change depth of focus and wirelessly transmit your snaps after they're taken is surely too good to pass up. The Lytro is only available for pre-order at the moment, but I for one am struggling to resist. [Wireless Goodness via Ubergizmo; Image: Wireless Goodness ]

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Verizon's double data deal returns this Friday, prepare yourselves accordingly

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/verizon-wireless-double-data-4g-offer/

It looks like Verizon's about to double up on double data. According to the Los Angeles Times, Big Red is about to reintroduce the double data promotion that first rolled out in November, and came to a close at year's end. Under the offer, customers signing up for a 4G plan will receive double the amount of monthly data (at no extra charge) for the duration of their contracts, as long as they sign up for two-year deals. Unfortunately, though, the promotion only applies to first time 4G subscribers (or those looking to upgrade from a non-4G plan), and is restricted to smartphones, leaving tablet owners in the dark. As with its original campaign, the redux will only be available for a limited time, though Verizon has yet to announce a closing date. It all kicks off this Friday, when, not coincidentally, the carrier will officially welcome the Droid 4 to the fold, as well.

[Thanks, Tyler]

Verizon's double data deal returns this Friday, prepare yourselves accordingly originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Screenwise panel will pay you to track your every move online

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/google-screenwise-panel-pays-to-track-browsing/

Don't mind letting Google watch your every click while browsing the web? Awesome, because the folks in Mountain View want to pay you for letting them do just that. The company is recruiting panelists for a project it's calling Screenwise, a program that will give the internet behemoth more insight into how the general public uses the interwebs day in and day out. Once you opt in, you'll receive a $5 gift card code to Amazon and for up to a year, you'll get additional spending money every three months. But how will The Goog track your mouse clicks? Just before getting paid, you'll have to download a browser extension that will keep an eye on things and send your data back to the mothership. If you're looking to make a little more dough, Ars Technica reports that you'll be able to opt for a more lucrative hardware monitoring option. Here, you'll have to install the Screenwise Data Collector (pictured above) on your home network; however, the pay out is an initial Benjamin and $20 for every month you participate. Sound like something you'd want in on? Hit the source link below to be notified when registration opens.

Update: Google has passed along the following statement on the Screenwise project with a reminder that participation in the panel is 100% voluntary.

Like many other web and media companies, we do panel research to help better serve our users by learning more about people's media use, on the web and elsewhere. This panel is one such small project that started near the beginning of the year. Of course, this is completely optional to ! join. Pe ople can choose to participate if it's of interest (or if the gift appeals) and everyone who does participate has complete transparency and control over what Internet use is being included in the panel. People can stay on the panel as long as they'd like, or leave at any time.

Google Screenwise panel will pay you to track your every move online originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NVIDIA and Rambus settle, sign patent deal, kiss and make up

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/nvidia-and-rambus-settle-sign-patent-deal-kiss-and-make-up/

Some of you thought it would never happen. You thought that these two mortal enemies would spend the rest of their multinational corporate lives alternately at each other throats and eyeing the other with suspicion from across the boardroom. After dropping some claims and winning others, Rambus has signed an agreement with NVIDIA that puts to rest their remaining legal disputes. The deal will allow NVIDIA to use patented Rambus tech in its products for the next five years, without fear of legal action -- though, neither side will say how much that privilege cost. Now that the battle between the two, which began way back in 2008, has finally come to a close we can all finally get back to the very important business of forgetting who or what Rambus is.

NVIDIA and Rambus settle, sign patent deal, kiss and make up originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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