My BMW Remote app ready to Play with Android

My BMW Remote app ready to Play with Android

Stateside and overseas iOS users with a predilection for remotely controlling high-end German autos have had nearly a half year's worth of smug to lord over their Android counterparts. Not so anymore, as BMW's spreading the love and making its Remote app available now for that Google-led contingent on the Play store. The car maker hasn't updated this iteration with any additional perks, preferring instead to keep the user experience consistent and giving drivers of BMW Assist-enabled vehicles the same ability to remotely lock doors, adjust the A/C, blow the horn or trigger the car's lights from afar. The app also includes a maps feature for locating your lost ride (fear not privacy paranoiacs, it's only accessible while the ignition is turned off) and an option to import favorited places from Local Search. Sure, it's a nice olive branch for car owners that once felt left outside the gates of vainglory, but we'll reserve our excitement for mobile-operated ovens. Now that's luxury at its best.

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Smart vehicle control. Multifunctional My BMW Remote app now also available for smartphones with Android operating system.

31.07.2012

Munich. The My BMW Remote app is now available for smartphones running the Android operating system, too. The application can be downloaded for free from the Google Play store (Android Market), and offers all the same functionalities as the iPhone version first brought out in autumn 2010.

My BMW Remote allows users to operate all manner of functions in their BMW from outside the vehicle, without even having to be nearby:

"Remote Door Lock & Unlock" allows the car to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone.
"Climate Control" makes it possible to control the interior temperature by adjusting the auxiliary ventilation and heating settings, and programming the systems by timer.
With "Horn Blow" for sounding the horn and "Flash Light" for briefly switching on the exterior lights, users can trigger acoustic and visual signals to help them find their vehicle in crowded car parks, for instance.
· If the car is out of sight and hearing distance but within a radius of up to 1,5 km, the "Vehicle Finder" function is able to display a map on the smartphone screen showing the way to the vehicle's location. This function is only available when the ignition is switched off, thereby making it impossible to track the vehicle's movements.
Finally, using Google Local Search, users are able to import points of interest (POIs) from their smartphone into the vehic le's navigation system via the message list.

"By extending our My BMW Remote app to Android devices as well, we are responding to the recent rapid spread of this operating system," explains Dr Eckhard Steinmeier, Head of BMW ConnectedDrive. "Google Android is the fastest-growing software platform for smartphones and tablets, so we are now delighted to be able to offer our customers the remote app functions on this operating system, too."

Both My BMW Remote apps can be used in conjunction with a valid BMW ConnectedDrive contract in all current models equipped with BMW Assist. The range of functions may vary depending on the model, year of manufacture and destination market. Customers receive detailed information regarding this when downloading the application.

Engadget

YouTube will throw another $200 million at wannabe channel producers

YouTube will throw another $200 million at wannabe channel producers

Google's about to expand its original content experiment by spreading another $ 200 million around the video production community. The original $ 150 million, which created nearly 100 new YouTube channels with notables like Amy Poehler and NBA Star Blake Griffin, apparently caught on with advertisers who were willing to pay a premium to appear alongside branded, non-crummy content. It's also popular with the creative set, who like the instant feedback and flexibility to take a show 180 degrees if needed in order to draw eyeballs. Mountain View could possibly bring the more polished progr ams to French and British viewers by next year, on top of new US channels, according to WSJ sources. So if your talent needs an outlet, but the Sears gift card and allowance from your Mom won't cover the necessary explosions, you may want to get your pitch in order.

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Facebook working on 'save-for-later' feature, lets you like things privately

Facebook working on 'save-for-later' feature, lets you like things privately

Ever wanted to flag a Facebook post for the future -- one you wouldn't want to be seen "liking" in the present? Well, the heads at Palo Alto are testing a way to make that happen: a save-for-later feature that'll allow you to add posts to a private feed. Saving is conducted on the sly, so you can create a slimmed-down stalking experience without alerting the posters. If you're prone to using the desktop version of the site, the option should appear alongside the familiar "Like", "Comment" and "Share" soon. A similar change should be available on the mobile site, with a press-and-hold mechanic doin g the job in the apps for iDevices. There's no word on other platforms at the moment, but we'd be surprised if the update is confined to browser and iOS users. We know you're keen to start hoarding those embarrassing drunken status updates, so hopefully the update will be rolling out shortly.

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Google Chrome 21 stable release adds Retina MacBook Pro support, webcam use without plugins

Google Chrome 21 stable release adds Retina MacBook Pro support, webcam use without plugins

Some Retina MacBook Pro owners have been waiting for this day for six weeks: that promised Retina support in Google Chrome is now part of a finished, stable release. Chrome 21 is now crisp and clear for those who took the plunge on Apple's new laptop but would rather not cling to Safari for the web. No matter what hardware you're using, Google has rolled in its promised WebRTC support to let webcams and microphones have their way without Flash or other plugins. Other notable tweaks like wider support for Cloud Print and gamepads tag along in the update as well. If you're at all intrigued by the expanded hardware support in Chrome, Google has an abund ance of details (and downloads) at the links below.

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Engadget Mobile Podcast 147 - 07.31.2012

Engadget Mobile Podcast 147 - 07.31.2012

We're later than usual with this week's Engadget Mobile Podcast, but can you blame us? Just look at all of those long, complicated topics below. Earnings, specs, leaks, beams, Notes...it's a mobile casserole, just like Mom used to make, with a little dash of something unquantifiable...just a hint...oh, it's a healthy dose of Lutz to round things out. Grab a plate and gather 'round because this dish needs to be eaten while it's hot, hot, hot!

Hosts: Myriam Joire (tnkgrl), Brad Molen
Guest: Zach Lutz
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International)

00:01:22 - Samsung Galaxy Note for T-Mobile review
00:34:04 - Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro (APQ8064) MDP benchmarks blow away the competition (upd ate: video)
00:45:26 - AT&T's Garnet Red Galaxy S III for vampires: we go hands-on
00:53:12 - HTC explains decision to skip Android 4.0 for Desire HD: we'd rather not wipe your data
00:56:07 - HTC One X might drop to $ 100 on contract at AT&T, tempt our wallets (update: confirmed)
01:26:06 - Windows Phone 8 SDK leaks show quiet upgrades to backup, media and the kitchen sink
01:30:23 - Samsung's Q2 2012 earnings show $ 5.86 billion operating profit, that's a lot of Galaxy S IIIs
01:30:51 - LG Q2 2012 earnings show a loss on cellphones, but higher profits overall thanks to home theater
01:31:11 - Apple announces Q3 2012 earnings: $ 35 billion revenue, $ 8.8 billion in net profits
01:39:48 - Apple v. Samsung court filings reveal Sony-inspired iPhone, kickstand-equipped iPad and other prototypes
01:46:30 - Motorola to allow bootloader unlocking from Photon Q 4G LTE onwards
01:47:10 - Sony Xperia 'Mint' leake d and reviewed: 4.3-inch (?) HD screen, 13MP camera, 1.5GHz S4 processor
01:51:32 - AT&T reveals new multi-beam antenna tech for live events, could offer data speeds five times faster (video)

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Wikipad specs get real: 10.1-inch 1,280 x 800 display, 1.4 GHz Tegra 3, Jelly Bean

Wikipad specs get real: 10.1-inch 1,280 x 800 display, 1.4 GHz Tegra 3, Jelly Bean

The Wikipad gaming tablet has been ticking off boxes on its way to becoming a real product, and after bedding down with Gaikai game streaming and settling in to a 10.1-inch form factor, the rest of the hardware is now set. The chunky handheld will brandish an IPS display with 1,280 x 800 resolution, NVIDIA Tegra 3 T30 quad-core 1.4GHz processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, at least 16GB storage and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Other notable items include 8-megapixel rear / 2-megapixel front cameras, six hours continuous gaming battery life and a 2D-only screen instead of the 3D originally touted -- at least, for the first model. The controller remains the same with a pair of triggers , bumpers, joysticks and start/select buttons, and will cover the slate's speakers and route sound out the front. The rest of the story is yet to come, namely exactly what that price will be and when you'll actually be able to pew-pew with it, but the company has promised to 'fess up soon. Meanwhile, though airy for a tablet at 560 grams (1.2 pounds), it's not exactly PS Vita or Nintendo 3DS XL territory -- but then a heavyweight contender could be exactly what handheld gaming needs.

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US Census Bureau posts its first API, allows smartphone apps for the stat-obsessed

US Census Bureau posts its first API, allows smartphone apps for the stat-obsessed

As much as the US Census Bureau has worked to embrace the digital space, its sea of data has been largely locked away from developers not keen on doing much of the heavy lifting. As of late last week, however, there's now a public app programming interface (API) for quickly putting all of that knowledge to work. Both mobile and web apps can hook into either the complete 2010 census or the 2006-2010 American Community Survey, bringing in basic demographics as well as more complicated subjects such as commuting habits and education. The Bureau sees the API leading to not just a more informed public, but to smarter government as well -- imagine a state government that knows the income levels by county through a custom smartphone app. Budding statistics hounds can request a key for API use right away, but if you'd rather just see what public access will mean in practice, you can check out an app gallery at the second source link below.

Engadget

Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 1pm ET!

Listen to the Engadget Mobile Podcast, live at 1pm ET!

It's the Great Western Podcast today: Boise's local tech wizard Zach Lutz joins Myriam in Seattle and Brad in Salt Lake. No matter where we're at, the trio of mobile editors are tied together by the common string of wireless understanding. Join us shortly as we hunker down and chat about the latest happenings in the world of phones and other smallish gadgets.

July 30, 2012 1:00 PM EDT Engadget

Thermaltake cures clamminess with $80 Cyclone Edition gaming mouse

Thermaltake cures clamminess with $80 Cyclone Edition gaming mouse

Just when we needed a modern-day equivalent of sailing down the Nile while being fanned by Assyrian slaves, Thermaltake gives us this: the Black Element Cyclone Edition gaming mouse, which has a 6,000 rpm rotor directed right at the point where slick skin meets plastic. Pictures of the device have been floating around the web for a while, but we've just heard it'll be available in US stores any day now (or officially, "in August") priced at $ 80. The patent pending design promises to keep noise down to a sub-environmental 21.7dB, while delivering an airflow of 2.6 cubic feet per minute -- which, if you're lucky , should be enough to not only keep your digits dry but also reach your palm. The fan can alternatively be removed, in which case you'll be left with a 6,500 dpi laser sensor, an adjustable weight of up to 22.5 grams, "military-grade" grip coating and an abundance of natural oils.

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Mysterious 10-inch BlackBerry PlayBook appears in Vietnam

Mysterious 10-inch BlackBerry PlayBook appears in Vietnam

The last we heard, all notions of a 10-inch PlayBook had been shelved, with rumors suggesting that RIM wanted to concentrate on its BB10 plans and next-gen smartphones instead. However, we've just received these images from Tinthe, showing off something that looks very much like the bigger BlackBerry slab. A handful of photos, comparing the tablet to the existing 7-incher and an iPad, were sent in by forum member quang3g, who appears to be involved in BlackBerry sales.

Looks-wise, the hardware's largely unchanged, aside from the bigger footprint and a screen ratio that appears closer to the iPad competition, rather than the widescree n shape that arrived on RIM's first tablet. According to the brief teardown shot, there's a potent 7,250 mAh battery housed in the still-slim 10-inch frame, while it's worth noting that the tablet also includes a SIM holder and cellular radio -- though there's not enough meat here to discern whether it deals in 4G or 3G (HSPA+) radio waves. While we wait for the official word on the existence (or cancellation) of this flavor of PlayBook, you can take a skeptical sideways glance at several more pictures of the tablet at the source below.

Engadget

Hangouts come to Gmail, let you launch virtual meetings from your inbox

Hangouts come to Gmail, let you launch virtual meetings from your inbox

Google's been adding a lot of features lately to get us to Hangout, from providing digital moustaches to scheduling virtual soirees. Now, the company's aiming to get folks video conferencing from their inbox. That's right, you can now start a Hangout with up to nine friends or colleagues straight from Gmail with a click of a button. Users can expect better quality as compared to Gmail's old peer-to-peer video chats, and it provides access to people with an Android or iOS device and those on Google+ in a web browser. The new feature has already started making its way to users, and the roll out will continue over the next few weeks. Still not ready to mix your Hangouts with email just yet? Perhaps the pair of videos after the break will persuade you.

Engadget

Apple reports 3 million Mountain Lion downloads in four days, 'most successful OS X release'

Apple reports 3 million Mountain Lion downloads in four days, 'most successful OS X release'

We heard some rumblings ahead of the weekend from third-party sources, and like clockwork, Apple has kicked the week off with its weekend box office returns. According to Cupertino's numbers, the latest version of OS X hit 3 million downloads in four days, making for "the most successful OS X release in Apple's history." Price has surely played a role in Mountain Lion's speedy success, running $ 20 for 200-plus features, according to Apple's numbers. That list includes big additions like Notification Center and AirPlay Mirroring and a selection of smaller tweaks to the decade-old operating system. More information can be found in the customarily self-congratul atory press release, after the break.

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Mountain Lion Downloads Top Three Million

Apple® today announced that downloads of OS X® Mountain Lion have exceeded three million in four days, making it the most successful OS X release in Apple's history. With more than 200 innovative new features, Mountain Lion is the ninth major release of the world's most advanced desktop operating system and is available through the Mac® App Store™ as an upgrade to Lion or Snow Leopard users for $ 19.99 (US).

"Just a year after the incredibly successful introduction of Lion, customers have downloaded Mountain Lion over three million times in just four days, making it our most successful release ever," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.

Mountain Lion features include the all new Messages app, Notification Center, system-wide Sharing , Facebook integration*, Dictation, AirPlay® Mirroring and Game Center. iCloud® integration makes it easy to set up your Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Messages, Reminders and Notes, and keep everything, including iWork® documents, up to date across all your devices. For more information or to download Mountain Lion visit apple.com/osx/specs.

In addition to Mountain Lion, the Mac App Store offers thousands of apps in Education, Games, Graphics & Design, Lifestyle, Productivity, Utilities and other categories, and is the largest, fastest growing PC software store in the world. Users can browse new and noteworthy apps, including apps that take advantage of new features in Mountain Lion, as well as check out staff favorites, top charts for free and paid apps, and user ratings and reviews. For more information visit apple.com/mac/app-store.

*Facebook integration will be available in an upcoming software update to Mountain Lion.

A pple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

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Microsoft intros Wedge Mobile Keyboard, whose case doubles as a stand

Microsoft intros Wedge Mobile Keyboard, whose case doubles as a stand

As we've seen, there will be no shortage of tablet / laptop hybrids on offer when Windows 8 starts shipping this fall. But since those keyboard docks will typically be sold separately, that means you're also about to see loads of third-party alternatives. Not to be left out, Microsoft just announced a Bluetooth mobile keyboard, along with its smallest-ever mouse -- both of which can be used with any Windows tablet.

Starting with that Wedge Mobile Keyboard, it resembles Zaggmate's iPad case from 2010, in that it has a hard case to make it more travel-resilient. Here, though, the casing is made of flexible rubber, allowing it to double as a tab let stand. Putting it over the keys also turns the keyboard off, allowing you to conserve battery life. On board, you'll also find hotkeys specific to certain Windows 8 features, such as the Charms Bar. And, as the name suggests, the keyboard rises a bit in the back, thanks to the battery door on the other side (this takes two AAA cells, by the way.) One caveat: though you can use it with Windows 7, 8 and RT, and even Mac OS X, but it's not compatible with Vista. Sorry, folks.

In a similar vein, the tiny Wedge Touch Mouse has a matching soft-touch surface and is also Bluetooth-enabled. Like other mice in Microsoft's lineup, it has BlueTrack technology, allowing it to be used on a wide variety of surfaces. The mouse, which runs on a single AA battery, also shuts down whenever you power down whatever device it's paired with. These products will ship "soon," according to Microsoft, with the keyboard retailing for $ 79.95 and the mouse going for $ 69.95. For now, we've got a bunch of photos below for your viewing pleasure.Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard and Wedge Touch MouseMicrosoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard and Touch Mouse (hands-on)

Engadget

Former NSA official says agency collects Americans' web data, director denies charges

Former NSA official says agency collects Americans' web data, director denies charges

The NSA director, General Keith Alexander, is coming under scrutiny after he told a crowd gathered at the Def Con hacker conference that the spy agency "absolutely" does not collect data from and maintain files on American citizens. A former official stopped just shy of calling Alexander a liar, accusing him of playing a "word game." William Binney left the department in late 2001, when it became apparent to him that it planned to use the terrorist attacks on September 11th as an "excuse" to launch a data collection program that was already in t he planning stages. Alexander for his part maintains that any data, be it web searches, Twitter posts or emails, collected from American citizens is merely incidental, and associated with intelligence gathering on foreign entities.

Of course, Binney rejects this claim and testimony from Qwest CEO James Nacchio regarding the NSA's wiretapping program would seem to contradict it. ACLU attorney Alex Abdo, who was on the panel with Alexander, cast further doubt on the director's denial. He noted that loopholes in the law allow the NSA collect vast amounts of information on Americans, without them being the "target" of the surveillance. Since the agency can hold on to any data collected, it can retroactively build dossiers on citizens, should they eventually become the focus of an investigation. For a few more details, hit up the source link.

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Defcon 20 visitors get their own 'pirate' cellular network in Ninja Tel, exclusive One V to match

Defcon 20 visitors get their own 'pirate' cellular network in Ninja Tel, exclusive One V to match

The annual Defcon hacking meetup produces its share of unique creations. You know you're in for something special when even your entrance badge is an adventure. Defcon 20 might be winding to a close, but about 650 guests may just have the fondest memory of all: access to a private, ad hoc GSM carrier from Ninja Networks. While the collective's Ninja Tel is really an invitation to a party at the Rio Hotel, where the lone cell site operates out of a van, it lets the privileged few call and text each other to their hearts' content over cellular and WiFi. The network operators can unsurprisingly eavesdrop on any of the completely unencrypted calls -- this is a hacker's convention, after all -- but we don't think guests mind after getting an equally rare, customized HTC One V for free to make the calls in question. The Android 4.0 phone gets unique perks like triggering a nearby vending machine with Qualcomm's AllJoyn or making apps on the spot through Google's Integrated Development Environment. Owners can even reflash the One V to hop on AT&T or T-Mobile afterwards. Just don't expect to see Ninja Tel popping up in your hometown anytime soon; when Defcon shuts its doors, the cellular network shuts down.

Engadget

US soldiers to wear blast sensors in Afghanistan, collect shock data

US soldiers to wear blast sensors in Afghanistan, collect shock data

Starting next month, around one thousand frontline personnel in Afghanistan will begin testing the Soldier Body Unit, a sensor kit for recording the effects of explosions on the human body. While that's not the most pleasant of subjects, the blast sensors have been rushed out to collect as much data as possible before soldiers head home in 2014. The US Army's Rapid Equipping Force and the Georgia Tech Research Institute, which developed the sensors, hope to gather info on concussions and traumatic brain injuries to improve aftercare. This will also be used at source to stop super-soldiers heading back out after a con cussion and increasing the probability of an even worse injury. Further sensors will be carried on military vehicles, to help measure the effects of IED blasts on passengers. Adding two pounds in extra equipment probably won't make the Soldier Body Unit too popular, but it's thought the kit could weigh in at half a pound once it's been refined.

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Google Wallet hack hits Verizon Galaxy S III

Google Wallet hack hits Verizon Galaxy S III

Verizon may not want you to have Google Wallet on your phone, but that won't stop intrepid rooters and hackers from shoehorning the app into Big Red's handsets. Mike Beauchamp and Dustin Evans took some time away from their recent Kansas City trip (to check out Google Fiber, of course) to get the Mountain View mobile payment solution up and running on a Galaxy S III. Is it more difficult than rooting your device and installing the app? Just a bit. Beauchamp's video doesn't offer much in the way of instruction, but it does show it being used to buy breakfast at Mickey D's. Thankfully, it looks like some folks over at th e XDA forums have documented the solution, just check out the more coverage link.

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Visualized: the iDevice influence on Apple's bottom line

Visualized: the iDevice influence on Apple's bottom line

Apple's Q3 earnings last week rang loud and clear: iDevices are paying Cupertino's bills. The customary numerics laid down the bare facts, citing an 84 percent increase in iPad sales since 2011 and a similar 28 percent jump for the iPhone. Of course, well-organized tables of sales data aren't for everyone, but who doesn't love a good chart? Stuart Carlton took it upon himself to graph the percentages of Apple's revenue that each of its product categories fill out, producing the above criss-cross of colored statistics. The graph compares Apple's Q3 sales data going back several years, and a second chart (after the break) compa res the iPhone, iPad and iPod's share of the revenue directly with the rest of Apple's fare. Read on to take in the data for yourself, or hit the source link below for Carlton's own commentary.

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Next-gen iPhone parts purportedly leak again, get assembled sans innards (update: video)

Next-gen iPhone parts purportedly leak again, get assembled sans innards (update: video)

Ready for another supposed look at the next-gen Apple iPhone? Matching up with previous leaks we've reported on, the elongated iPhone body with a miniaturized docking port and brushed metal back has appeared again, this time courtesy of iLab Factory. While many of its parts look astoundingly similar to what we've already seen, this is the first time we've gotten a solid look at it fully assembled from all angles -- well, aside from the missing SIM card holder. While most of its all-important innards are clearly absent, this assembly does come complete with w hat appears to be the locking ribbons for the screen and home button. As always, grab the obligatory spoonful of sodium chloride, then check it out for yourself at the gallery and links below.

Update: Japanese site Macotakara (via PhoneArena) has published a video of the above chassis being taken apart and generally manhandled. It's embedded after the break.Assembled next-gen iPhone?

Engadget

Microsoft details the Touch Mouse's upcoming support for Windows 8 gestures

Microsoft details the Touch Mouse's upcoming support for Windows 8 gestures

We already knew that Microsoft would be upgrading its Touch Mouse to support Windows 8 gestures, but the outfit never confirmed which finger movements, exactly, would be built in. Now, Redmond is explaining it all, even though the mouse won't actually get updated until Win8 goes on sale in late October. According to the company, you'll be able to swipe two fingers to the right to toggle between open programs, and two to the left to expose those Charms. Sliding three fingers up and down will allow you to use Semantic Zoom. (Naturally, you'll be able to swipe from side to side to move through the tiles on your Start screen, but you probably already guessed that.) We have a Touch Mouse here at Engadget HQ that we're just itching to update, but until those drivers drop three months from now, it seems we'll just have to find something else to keep us entertained.

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Engadget's first UK Giveaway: win one of three Sony Xperia S phones

Engadget's first UK Giveaway: win one of three Sony Xperia S phones

You asked, you pined and here it is -- welcome to our first (but certainly not last) UK competition. To kick off proceedings, we have three of Sony's latest flagship, the Xperia S, to offer up to our readers on the eastern side of the Atlantic. As it's our first competition for Britons, we advise that you read up on the rules after the break, then just leave a comment below to enter.

Unfortunately, the adorable robot isn't up for grabs in our giveaway (we asked), but if you manage to track down a similar automaton around the UK, Sony's running a separate contest where you can net a free Xperia U in exchange -- vi sit the more coverage link for hints. Good luck!

The rules:

• Leave a comment below. Any comment will do. Duplicate entries will be filtered out and discarded, so adding additional comments won't increase your likelihood of winning.
• This contest is open to all UK residents -- aged 18 years or over! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so direct your anger at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
• Winners will be chosen randomly. Three winners will receive one (1) new Sony Xperia S. Service does not come included with the prize.
• If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
• This unit is purely for promotional giveaway. Sony Mobile UK and Engadget / AOL UK are not held liable to honor warranties or customer service.
• The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here.
• Entries can be submitted until August 1, 2012 at 10:59AM GMT. Good luck!

Engadget

Windows 8 is 'not awesome for Blizzard either' says studio exec

Windows 8 is 'not awesome for Blizzard either' says studio exec

Calling Windows 8 "a catastrophe for everyone in the PC space" may not endear Valve's Gabe Newell to the folks at Microsoft, but it struck a chord with a member of Blizzard Entertainment's top brass. Rob Pardo, Executive Vice President of Game Design at the Irvine-based company, took to Twitter and chimed in on the matter, stating that Windows 8 is "not awesome for Blizzard either." While far from a resounding indictment, it's not the warmest of welcomes for Redmond's latest desktop OS. By the sounds of it, the October-bound operating system will have to win over a few hearts and minds in the game development community.

Engadget

Archos Arnova GBook heads to the FCC, may have literary ambitions

Archos Arnova GBook heads to the FCC, may have literary ambitions

Archos makes regular stops at the FCC. We know this. When it passes an Arnova-badged device called the GBook through the US agency, though, that piques our interest. The name immediately suggests a reading-friendly Android tablet in the vein of the Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet, but there's not much in the way of imagery and details to make a definitive judgment call. The hand-friendly small design and the 802.11n WiFi inside only fuel those suspicions, however. We don't see clues in the testing as to when the Arnova GBook might reach stores; that said, the looming back-to-school and holiday seasons may hav e some sway in getting the device to bookworms sooner rather than later.

Engadget

Is HP showing the Slate 8 in its latest commercial? (video)

Is HP showing the Slate 8 in its latest commercial? (video)

HP has acknowledged that it's been working on a Windows 8 tablet; it just hasn't mentioned whether or not the rumored Slate 8 is part of its plans. Imagine our surprise, then, when we're told that HP's 60-second "Make It Matter" commercial ends with an unannounced yet familiar-looking tablet right at the 56-second mark. There's only a fleeting glimpse, but it shows a metallic-looking body with a large black antenna window -- the combination of which would fit in with the Slate 8's purported aesthetics. We've asked HP whether or not this is a clever teaser for a real product or just as conceptual as the rest of the ad, and we'll let you know if we hear back on the subject. In the meantime, you can inspect the video evidence for yourself after the break.

[Thanks, Brian]

Engadget

Alt-week 7.28.12: social mathematics, Pluto's moons and humans-on-a-chip

Alt-week 7.28.12: social mathematics, Pluto's moons and humans-on-a-chip

Alt-week peels back the covers on some of the more curious sci-tech stories from the last seven days.

It's a beautiful world we live in. And, while the sweet and romantic part is debatable, strange and fantastic is not. Our universe is one populated by non-planetary celestial bodies with their own non-planetary satellites, high school social heirarchies based on predictable mathematical formulas and military-funded "gut-on-a-chips." It's a weird place filled with weird stories, and we just can't get enough of it. So, what has the last seven days brought us from the fringes of science and tech? Keep reading after the bre ak to find out. This is alt-week.

Turns out, math isn't just something you suffer through in high school -- it can actually determine your social standing. In the clique-filled world of secondary school there is a clear social hierarchy, and researchers at the University of Michigan believe they've found the formula that unlocks its secrets. The unfortunate truth is that social circles are filled with one-way relationships and, the more unreciprocated ties you're the benefactor of, the higher your social standing. Not only that but, the more lower-ranked individuals claiming friendship with you increases as you advance from one grade to the next and as your number of true friendships grows. Turns out high school isn't really all that tough to figure out after all -- so long as you can pass pre-calc.

Maybe you couldn't quite figure out that whole "people" thing in high school (there's enough us on staff at Engadget -- we understand), but perhaps you could increase your social standing by making your own friends. We're not quite to the point where you can cause a beautiful woman to materialize Anthony Michael Hall-style, but researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard are inching us closer with some help from DARPA. The military research arm has agreed to work with the school's scientists and provide them with up to $ 37 million in funding to further develop their organ-on-a-chip program. The goal is to use flexible plastic circuits to recreate all the basic functions of the human body, from digestion to breathing and everything in between. They claim that the primary goal is to provide platfor ms for studying diseases, toxins and medication, but we know the truth -- the army wants replicants.

Not every attempt to recreate the human anatomy in synthetic form is destined to lead to our enslavement, however. Engineers at the University of Missouri are using the human eye as inspiration for what may be the printers of the future. See, your eyelids actually spread a film of oil over your eyeball which protects a thin layer of tears that allow you to keep your eye open without it drying out. Similarly, an inkjet printer's nozzles need to be kept open to put words and images on paper, but drying out can lead to clogs and less than desirable results. By placing a tiny droplet of silicon oil in the nozzle the researchers are able to prevent the ink from crusting up. Obviously an eyelid-like shutter mechanism would be too large and complicated for something as small as a print head, so an electrical field is applied instead to keep the film spread thin.

Our eyes aren't just good for inspiring technology, they're also pretty good for lookin' at stuff. Sometimes they need a little help from something like the Hubble Space Telescope, but its our peepers that ultimately spotted Pluto's fifth moon, P5. Since being demoted from planet to dwarf planet in 2006 we've actually discovered two new moons orbiting the icy sun satellite. Which makes us wonder if -- is Pluto trying to convince the International Astronomical Union to reverse its decision? At least it's got entire class of space debris named after it now. Being the inspiration for the name Plutoid has to count for something, right?

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

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Sony Xperia J possibly spotted, may court entry-level fashionistas

Sony Xperia J possibly spotted, may court entry-level fashionistas

That didn't take long. We've only known about the Sony Xperia J and its reported ST26i codename for a short while, but ePrice has already given the purported starter smartphone the full photo tour. From cursory looks and specifications, the J will slot neatly between the Xperia miro and tipo at the start of the line and the small but potent Xperia U: while it's not believed to be quite as fast or iconic as the dual-core U, the single-core, 1GHz J could still be faster than its tiniest cousins and strive for some chic with a brightly colored back wrapped around a 4-inch display. The real highlight may s imply be an Xperia that ships with Android 4.0 from the get-go instead of requiring yet another upgrade merry-go-round. When the Xperia J shows is still up in the air, despite presumptions of an appearance at IFA; however, we won't be surprised if the J appears side-by-side with the Mint when it's officially ready for a close-up.

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Google confirms it still has a 'small portion' of Street View WiFi data, apologizes

Google confirms it still has a 'small portion' of Street View WiFi data, apologizes

It has seemed like Google was close to putting its Street View snooping controversy behind it a few times now, but one thing or another keeps bringing it back to the forefront. Today, it's an admission from Google that it hasn't deleted all of the so-called payload data in question after all. That revelation comes in a letter from Google Global Privacy Counsel Peter Fleisher to Steve Eckersley, head of enforcement at the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (or ICO), in which Fleisher says that Google is still in possession of a "small portion of payload dat a collected by our Street View vehicles in the UK." Fleisher adds that Google "apologizes for this error," and says that the data was discovered after an extensive review of its Street View data that it has been conducting in recent months. For its part, the ICO has acknowledged that it received the letter, and notes that the data was supposed to have been deleted in December of 2010, adding that "the fact that some of this information still exists appears to breach the undertaking to the ICO signed by Google in November 2010." You can find both statements in full at the ICO link below.

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ViewSonic announces a duo of budget-friendly LED monitors

ViewSonic announces a duo of budget-friendly LED monitors

As gorgeous as huge, expensive monitors are, most situations just don't call for the inches or wallet-dents associated with today's luxury screens. With this in mind, and barely a breath after outing its $ 299, 27-inch LED offering, ViewSonic is back with two budget displays from the VA12 series. First up is the VA2212m-LED, which rocks a 1080p widescreen, 21.5-inch panel, 10,000,000:1 contrast Ratio, DVI and VGA inputs, as well as a pair of 2W integrated speakers. Its little brother the VA1912m-LED shares most of the same genes, but with an 18.5-inch, 1,366 x 768 resolution screen. Running with ViewSonic's eco-friendly theme, both mercury-free LED monitors also boast the eco-mode feature for low power consumption and a longer life. If either of the new displays are grabbing your attention, you'll be able to pick up the $ 149 VA2212m-LED imminently, with the $ 125 VA1912m-LED hitting North American retailers in mid-August.

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ViewSonic's New VA12 Value Series Displays Deliver Style and Substance

New VA12 Value Series Offers Industry-Leading 3-Year Limited Warranty, and the Market's Best Pixel Performance Policy

WALNUT, CA, Jul 23, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today announced the latest offerings as part of the brand new eco-friendly and affordable VA12 Series, including the VA1912m-LED and VA2212m-LED.

"Selecting a value series display doesn't mean having to settle for less," said Erik Willey, LCD monitor and PC product mark eting director at ViewSonic. "Our VA12 Series is a feature-rich line that delivers impressive contrast ratios, video connectivity and leading product and pixel warranties perfect for both consumers and businesses because we are confident in the quality of our displays, no matter their price point."

Ideal for SMBs, government, education, and any consumer looking for a stylish monitor at a cost-effective price, the VA2212m-LED is a 22" (21.5" Vis.) Full HD 1920 x 1080p widescreen LED monitor that doesn't skimp on the features. The VA2212m-LED offers a 10M:1 MEGA Dynamic Contrast Ratio, OptiSync(R) digital (DVI with HDCP) and analog (VGA) inputs, along with two integrated 2W stereo speakers.

Perfect for customers concerned with maintaining a low total cost of ownership (TCO), this mercury-free LED display offers ViewSonic's Eco-mode feature for extended display life, along with an energy savings of up to 40%* when compared to a regular, equally-sized monit or. The VA12 Series also comes standard with loads of useful features such as automatic aspect ratio adjustment to ensure content is optimally positioned and sized for screen viewing, in addition to being VESA(R) wall mount compatible. For those looking for an environmentally-friendly backlit monitor in a smaller 19" (18.5" Vis.) size, ViewSonic offers the 1366x768 resolution VA1912m-LED.

Both displays come standard with a 3-year limited warranty, and the industry's best pixel performance policy. The VA2212m-LED will be available in North America in late July for an ESP of $ 149, while the VA1912m-LED is expected to be available in mid-August for an ESP of $ 125. For further information, visit ViewSonic.com or follow ViewSonic on the Company blog, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

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Inhabitat's Week in Green: 3D printed boat, algae-based biofuel and a bus that does push-ups

Inhabitat's Week in Green: 3D printed boat, algae-based biofuel and a bus that does push-ups


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.

The Olympic flame completed its tour through the UK this week as the 2012 Summer Games officially kicked off on Friday, and all eyes have been on London ever since. All week long we've been focusing on the Olympics, beginning with an overview of London's new Olympic Park, which is headlined by the Zaha Hadid-designed Aquatics Centre, and Anish Kapoor's controversial ArcelorMittal Orbit observation tower. For a deeper look at the venues that will be on display at the Olympics over the next two weeks, check out our roundup of the top six green buildings at the Olympics. In addition to the sports stadiums, Olympics visitors will also be treated to the sights and sounds of Coca-Cola's multi-sensory Beatbox Pavilion, an interactive sound and light display that responds to touch. But the art installation that we're most excited about is the one by artist David Cerny, who retrofitted a 6-ton London double-decker bus with a gigantic pair of human arms. Best of all, the arms are motorized, enabling the bus to do push-ups.

In other news, green vehicles broke new boundaries by land, sea and air. A team of University of Washington students successfully tested the world's first 3D-printed boat, while halfway around the world, the Solar Impulse sun-powered airplane completed a record-breaking 6,700-mile trip. Rail news also rallied the East Coast as Amtrak proposed plans for a high-speed train that could take riders fr om New York to Philly in 37 minutes and New York City unveiled the first images of the final installment of its High Line park.

This week also saw exciting energy developments all over the world. Scientists at UCLA developed a new transparent solar cell that can essentially transform windows into photovoltaic panels. The South Pacific nation of Tokelau announced the ambitious goal of transforming itself into the world's first solar-powered country. Meanwhile, Brazil is set to build the world's first algae-based biofuel plant, which will convert seaweed into fuel. And in another exciting development, Maine is set to launch the first commercial tide power project in the US.

For the past few months, we've been gearing up for the phase-out of incandescent light bulbs, and this week we produced a video explaining how to make the transition to LEDs. As for other exciting green products, this week we shined the spotlight on Olafur Eliasson's Little Sun, a solar-powere d lamp that provides five hours of continuous light. We also learned about Exotic Solar's "PowerCloth," an innovative new cloth that turns clothes into energy generators, and a vibrating glove that teaches piano and helps people with spinal cord injuries to improve motor skills. And lastly, we're excited to learn that JPMorgan Chase and Good360 are teaming up to refurbish and distribute computers to charities across the country.

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3D printer cuts vinyl, mills, draws, fits comfortably inside a briefcase, is generally fab

3D printer cuts vinyl, mills, draws, fits comfortably inside a briefcase, is generally fab

Is there anything this tool from MIT's Ilan Moyer and collaborator Nadya Peek can't do? Probably, but that list seems likely to be shorter than the list of those it can. So far, Popfab has been shown doing a little printing during a brief video, but Moyer has promised a lot more to come, telling Core 77, "we also have toolheads working for vinyl cutting, milling and drawing," all of which promise to show up in subsequent episodes. The tool (which has other fans) has apparently already made its way around the world in the form of carry-on luggage, helping fulfill its creators desire to support "the nomadic designer" -- just a briefcase, a power source and a dream.

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Mobile Miscellany: week of July 23rd, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of July 23rd, 2012

Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This past week, Nokia introduced a custom edition Lumia 610 smartphone and also released its Camera Extras app for global availability. 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 July 16th, 2012.

Motorola RAZR V and Atrix HD LTE coming to Bell Mobility on August 2nd

We first met the Motorola RAZR V just two weeks ago, which was announced for Q3 availability within Canada. Word on the street has it that the phone will become available through Bell Mobility on August 2nd, where it'll be joined at the same time by the Atrix HD LTE. Pricing has yet to be announced for either handset, though it seems we won't have long to wait to learn that last tidbit. [MobileSyrup]

Samsung Omnia M now available in India

China may have gotten it first, but the Samsung Omnia M -- an entry-level Windows Phone -- is now available in India for 17,990 INR (approx. $ 325). The smartphone includes a 1GHz CPU, a 4-inch display and a 5-megapixel camera. [WMPoweruser]

Nokia teams up with Quiksilver to release custom Lumia 610

It's the middle of summer, so why not hit the beaches? That seems to be the logic at Nokia, anyway, which has partnered with surf apparel company Quiksilver to create a special edition Lumia 610 smartphone. Availability is currently limited to the French carrier Sosh, which is a youth-oriented subsidiary of Orange, along with Quicksilver retail outlets. [WPCentral]

Bell Mobile TV update brings HD content along for the ride

Bell's Mobile TV app received an update this week, and most importantly, it brings HD content for seven channels to the iPad, Galaxy Note and Galaxy S III. If your device isn't eligible for this round, you'll be glad to know that Bell plans to introduce HD support on more handsets in the near future. [MobileSyrup]

Nokia Camera Extras marks global launch

Nokia's Camera Extras brings a self-timer, the ability to take panorama shots, action shots and smart group shots to the Lumia lineup of smartphones. Up until this week, however, it was only available in the US and China. Thankfully that's now a thing of the past, as Nokia has announced the global availability for its Camera Extras suite. [All About Windows Phone ]

Motorola Motoluxe XT685 arrives in China

Motorola recently debuted the RAZR V XT885 in China, and now it's time for the Motoluxe XT685 to follow suit. The Android 4.0 smartphone features a 1GHz CPU (upgraded from 800MHz), a 4-inch FWVGA display and an 8-megapixel camera. Those within mainland China can purchase the handset today for 1,999 RMB ($ 313), which is available in brown and white. [Android Central]

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