Sunday, September 30, 2012

With PlayStation 4 launch looming, Sony says it will support PS3 for at least three more years

With PlayStation 4 launch looming, Sony says it will support PS3 for at least three more years

. Even before the PlayStation 3 launched in 2006, Sony (SNE) decreed the console would have a 10-year lifespan. Six years later, the PS3 is already showing its age, as is its main competitor, Microsoft's (MSFT) Xbox 360.

Boy Genius Report , With PlayStation 4 launch looming, Sony says it will support PS3 for at least three more years, With PlayStation 4 launch looming, Sony says it will support PS3 for at least three more years

Fujifilm sees which way wind is blowing, ends production of cinema film

Fujifilm sees which way wind is blowing, ends production of cinema film

Since your average talkie is now recorded onto SD card and SSDs, companies that produce old-timey film are feeling the squeeze. As such, and despite its own efforts, Fujifilm is shuttering a large part of its cinema business by March 2013.

Engadget , Fujifilm sees which way wind is blowing, ends production of cinema film

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computerworld, Fujifilm sees which way wind is blowing, ends production of cinema film

MetroPCS buyout in the works; Sprint, T-Mobile and Dish said to be potential suiters

MetroPCS buyout in the works; Sprint, T-Mobile and Dish said to be potential suiters

. Prepaid wireless carrier MetroPCS (PCS) is said to have held talks with Sprint (S), T-Mobile and Dish Network (DISH) over a potential buyout or merger. According to DealReporter some of the talks are ongoing. Potential buyout rumors have benefited MetroPCS' stock, which has increased almost 40% in the past year. Analysts have previously speculated that such a transaction is a possibility, although it is seen as more likely that Sprint would purchase the carrier rather than T-Mobile, which operates its network using a different technology.

Boy Genius Report , MetroPCS buyout in the works; Sprint, T-Mobile and Dish said to be potential suiters, MetroPCS buyout in the works; Sprint, T-Mobile and Dish said to be potential suiters

New Zealand government to Kim Dotcom: Sorry for the illegal spying

New Zealand government to Kim Dotcom: Sorry for the illegal spying

. Imagine how embarrassed President Barack Obama would feel if he had to issue a formal apology to Snooki. Well, something very similar has happened in New Zealand, as the The Wall Street Journal reports that Prime Minister John Key has apologized to Megaupload founder and tabloid magnet Kim Dotcom for government security officials who illegally spied on his communications without first obtaining a warrant.

Boy Genius Report , New Zealand government to Kim Dotcom: Sorry for the illegal spying, New Zealand government to Kim Dotcom: Sorry for the illegal spying

Steam for Linux entering private beta in October for just 1,000 users

Steam for Linux entering private beta in October for just 1,000 users

Next month, Valve is inviting 1,000 fortunate gamers to take part in the first external beta test of Steam for Linux. The trial includes the service itself and one game (which we're taking to be Left 4 Dead 2) that'll run on systems running Ubuntu 12.04 and above. Users won't get their hands on any other Valve titles, or Big Picture Mode, and the company is asking that only experienced Linux users get in touch - novices are politely asked to wait for a subsequent release.

Engadget , Steam for Linux entering private beta in October for just 1,000 users, Steam for Linux entering private beta in October for just 1,000 users

More Jaguar F-Type images leak onto web before Paris debut

More Jaguar F-Type images leak onto web before Paris debut

Just last week, we got our first look at what appears to be the production-ready 2013 Jaguar F-Type courtesy of a single leaked image, and now we can see even more of the new Jaguar thanks to a handful of new pictures from Autoweek.nl. The new shots show the droptop from all angles and, just as importantly, they give us our first look at the interior. As nice as this car is from the front, the rear view of the 2013 F-Type is simply stunning. As we suspected, the F-Type's styling follows very closely to the 2011 Jaguar C-X16 Concept (minus the hardtop roof, of course).

Autoblog , More Jaguar F-Type images leak onto web before Paris debut, More Jaguar F-Type images leak onto web before Paris debut

Entertainment Weekly to Come with Mini-LCD Display

Entertainment Weekly to Come with Mini-LCD Display

Youth-oriented TV network The CW will promote its latest shows for Fall by inserting small LCD displays on the October 5th issue of Entertainment Weekly. The LCD will display the six most recent posts of The CW's Twitter feed (@CW_Network), as well as a short video featuring the actors of The CW's new shows including “Emily Owens M.D.” The screen would require some form of Internet or cellular connection embedded into it to make it possible.

Gadget.com , Entertainment Weekly to Come with Mini-LCD Display, Entertainment Weekly to Come with Mini-LCD Display

Voice-based popcorn cannon fires kernels into your mouth

Voice-based popcorn cannon fires kernels into your mouth

Popcorns are a healthy as well as fun food. They are a must-have when watching movies, lounging in front of the TV or simply trying to while away a slow day. However, the part which is not so much fun is to have to dig into the popcorns every now and then. To tackle this problem, Popcorn Indiana has come up with a very novel solution. It has created a kernel cannon which shoots popcorn kernels right at you.

Ubergizmo , Voice-based popcorn cannon fires kernels into your mouth, Voice-based popcorn cannon fires kernels into your mouth

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Apple iPhone 5 arrives in other 22 countries today

Apple iPhone 5 arrives in other 22 countries today

The iPhone 5 has become Apple's most successful smartphone ever, being sold in 5 million units in the first week-end of availability. And things will certainly not stop here, especially since today the new iPhone was released in other 22 countries, including: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Unwired View , Apple iPhone 5 arrives in other 22 countries today

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maximum, Apple iPhone 5 arrives in other 22 countries today

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive offers guilt-free, zero-emission supercar fun... for $537K

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive offers guilt-free, zero-emission supercar fun... for $537K

The folks at Mercedes-Benz must have a guilty conscience when it comes to the SLS AMG supercar. Why else would the German automaker follow up the snarling V8-powered debut of the modern gullwing with the SLS AMG E-Cell, and now the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive. While the retina-searing E-Cell was a merely prototype, the vehicle you see here is a production version, and can be yours for a cool half a million bucks. Mercedes-Benz says this electrified gullwing is the most powerful vehicle in the AMG stable.

Autoblog , Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive offers guilt-free, zero-emission supercar fun... for $537K

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techage, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive offers guilt-free, zero-emission supercar fun... for $537K

Prometheus Blu-ray specs unveiled, arrives with seven hours of extras October 9th (video)

Prometheus Blu-ray specs unveiled, arrives with seven hours of extras October 9th (video)

While Ridley Scott's latest flick is already available on just about every downloadable movie store you could name, Prometheus is still a few weeks away from making its debut on disc and now Fox has officially released all the details. The extras listed in an earlier leak appear to be accurate, with a Second Screen iPad app that promises access to character Peter Weyland's archives, while much of the 15 minutes or so of deleted and alternative scenes have already been posted on the internet (search around if you absolutely must know what else there is and can't wait / don't want to spend the cash).
Prometheus Blu-ray specs unveiled, arrives with seven hours of extras October 9th (video)


Engadget , Prometheus Blu-ray specs unveiled, arrives with seven hours of extras October 9th (video), Prometheus Blu-ray specs unveiled, arrives with seven hours of extras October 9th (video)

Nokia announces Asha 308 and 309 budget touchscreen phones

Nokia announces Asha 308 and 309 budget touchscreen phones

Nokia has announced two new budget phones called the Asha 308 and the Asha 309, their cheapest with a capacitive touchscreen. Both are 2G-enabled handsets with a 3.0-inch, WQVGA capacitive touchscreen display, 2 megapixel camera, multiple homescreens, stereo loudspeaker, FM radio and have up to 32GB microSD card support. The phones come with the usual social networking applications, YouTube as well as free 40 games from EA.

GSM Arena , Nokia announces Asha 308 and 309 budget touchscreen phones, Nokia announces Asha 308 and 309 budget touchscreen phones

Slender: The Arrival first two screenshots released, looks ominous

Slender: The Arrival first two screenshots released, looks ominous

If you've surfed the internet long enough, you might have heard of the Slender Man, a (hopefully) not real creature that can also be found in the free video game, Slender: The Eight Pages. For those unfamiliar, it's a horror-based video game in which players have to roam through a forest with only a torchlight where they will have to locate 8 pages. They will occasionally be stalked by the Slender Man where looking at him for long periods of time will drive the player insane (through the game, not in real life).

Ubergizmo , Slender: The Arrival first two screenshots released, looks ominous

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things, Slender: The Arrival first two screenshots released, looks ominous

Texas Instruments to shrink smartphone business

Texas Instruments to shrink smartphone business

. Texas Instruments (TXN) on Tuesday revealed plans to shift its focus away from its mobile processor business and target broader markets such as industrial clients in the car industry, Reuters reported. The company sees its processor growth slowing, although it is still profitable, and is looking to expand in order to maintain growth. In recent years, Texas Instruments has lost ground in the wireless industry to rivals Qualcomm (QCOM) and NVIDIA (NVDA), both of which also produce mobile processors.

Boy Genius Report , Texas Instruments to shrink smartphone business, Texas Instruments to shrink smartphone business

Sony Xperia tipo and tipo dual reach the US in unlocked form, give Americans a taste of dual SIMs

Sony Xperia tipo and tipo dual reach the US in unlocked form, give Americans a taste of dual SIMs

Few of us who live outside of Asia or Eastern Europe know the potential convenience of a dual SIM phone. Own one and you can globetrot, or else keep separate home and work lines without the bulk of an extra device in the pocket. Sony is gambling that enough Americans have that multi-line desire by selling the Xperia tipo dual and its regular, single-SIM counterpart in the US as unlocked GSM models.

Engadget , Sony Xperia tipo and tipo dual reach the US in unlocked form, give Americans a taste of dual SIMs, Sony Xperia tipo and tipo dual reach the US in unlocked form, give Americans a taste of dual SIMs

Apple's new iPhone 5 officially announced: LTE, 4 inch display, 7.6mm body, A6 chip

Apple's new iPhone 5 officially announced: LTE, 4 inch display, 7.6mm body, A6 chip

As everyone had expected, today Apple has finally unveiled its sixth generation smartphone, officially called iPhone 5. The new iPhone (which runs iOS 6) is pretty much the handset we've already imagined based on all the previously leaked details. It is the first Apple smartphone to come with a display larger than 3.5 inches. Yes, as anticipated, the iPhone 5 sports a 4 inch screen with 1136 x 640 pixels - this allowing it to display a fifth row of icons.

Unwired View , Apple's new iPhone 5 officially announced: LTE, 4 inch display, 7.6mm body, A6 chip, Apple's new iPhone 5 officially announced: LTE, 4 inch display, 7.6mm body, A6 chip

2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio shows trick folding top to the world

2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio shows trick folding top to the world

Citroën's DS3 line has been a huge success in its home market of France ever since the car was launched in 2009. Sitting in the fat-middle part of the luxury category, it only makes sense that a convertible variant for the DS3 pop up sooner or later – and later is the Paris Motor Show. The 2013 DS3 Cabrio should provide a stylish roofless option for European customers when it goes on sale in the beginning of 2013, especially as it boasts the same buttoned-down bodylines of the standard hatchback. That pattered, fabric roof affair slides and folds neatly away automatically, and can come to rest in one of two positions.

Autoblog , 2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio shows trick folding top to the world

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dailygadgets, 2013 Citroën DS3 Cabrio shows trick folding top to the world

Minecraft creator doesn't want to ‘play along' with Microsoft on Windows 8

Minecraft creator doesn't want to ‘play along' with Microsoft on Windows 8

. Markus Persson, creator of the hit indie game Minecraft and CEO of Mojang, is fed up with Microsoft (MSFT) and its Windows 8 operating system. The software giant reached out to Persson hoping the he would “certify” his game for Windows 8, a requirement for the company's app store.
Minecraft creator doesn't want to ‘play along' with Microsoft on Windows 8

Minecraft creator doesn't want to ‘play along' with Microsoft on Windows 8


Boy Genius Report , Minecraft creator doesn't want to ‘play along' with Microsoft on Windows 8, Minecraft creator doesn't want to ‘play along' with Microsoft on Windows 8

NComputing to Spotlight First-to-Market HDX Ready System-on-Chip Devices Already Transforming the Thin Client Market at Citrix Synergy Barcelona

Experience how high performance N-Series thin clients accelerate wider deployment of desktop virtualisation in the enterprise and support key retail, banking, healthcare and higher education applicationsREDWOOD CITY, Calif – September 27, 2012 – NComputing, the world’s fastest growing end-to-end desktop virtualisation company, today announced its participation in Citrix Synergy Barcelona (17th-19th October 2012) as a platinum sponsor and major exhibitor. The company will be showcasing its complete N-series product line developed specifically to support the Citrix HDX Ready System-on-Chip initiative.

Press Release Distribution , NComputing to Spotlight First-to-Market HDX Ready System-on-Chip Devices Already Transforming the Thin Client Market at Citrix Synergy Barcelona, NComputing to Spotlight First-to-Market HDX Ready System-on-Chip Devices Already Transforming the Thin Client Market at Citrix Synergy Barcelona

TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on

TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on

Back at IFA we spent most of our time handling new tablets and Win 8 devices, but, given that the show has grown into something of a mini-CES, there was news in almost every product category, portable audio included. TDK announced a trio of speakers that week, and though we didn't get hands-on in Berlin, we got a second chance tonight at a New York City press event. In particular, the company is showing off its first ruggedized product, the Wireless Weatherproof Speaker. As you can see in those photos down there, it has all the stylings of a run-of-the-mill portable speaker, except it also happens to be IP64-certified against the elements.
TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on

TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on

TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on

TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on

TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on


Engadget , TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on, TDK preps its first weatherproof speaker, we go hands-on

Samsung asks us to witness 'The Next Big Thing' at an October 24th event in New York City

Samsung asks us to witness 'The Next Big Thing' at an October 24th event in New York City

We're starting to suspect that Samsung has a thing for special events. The company just asked us to clear our calendars for an evening presentation in New York City on October 24th, teasing that the "Next Big Thing" has arrived. It's easy to make the connection to the Galaxy Note line with a stylus front and center in the teaser, although just what's entailed is left to the imagination: is it a more formal launch for American Galaxy Note II variants. A new tablet beyond the Galaxy Note 10.1.

Engadget , Samsung asks us to witness 'The Next Big Thing' at an October 24th event in New York City, Samsung asks us to witness 'The Next Big Thing' at an October 24th event in New York City

2013 Kia Pro_cee'd three-door proceeds to impress (video)

2013 Kia Pro_cee'd three-door proceeds to impress (video)

Sexy as MPVs are, the new Carens wasn't the only world premiere happening on the Kia stand at today's Paris Motor Show. Here, we see the new three-door Pro_cee'd hatchback – a sharp-looking car that shares many of its underpinnings with the Hyundai i30 three-door that also took the stage at the Paris expo. Aside from the three-door body style, the Pro_cee'd doesn't differ too much from the five-door Cee'd that bowed in Geneva earlier this year.



Autoblog , 2013 Kia Pro_cee'd three-door proceeds to impress (video)

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computerworld, 2013 Kia Pro_cee'd three-door proceeds to impress (video)

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Audi A3 E-Tron

Audi A3 E-Tron

Unique Feature Makes This A Very Special EV. The most innovative part of the Audi A3 E-Tron prototype isn't found under the hood or in its battery compartment. Instead, one must sit in the driver's seat and move slightly to the side, then peer at the two smallish steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
On traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, a quick tug on the left paddle shifts the transmission down one gear while the right is used for shifting the gearbox up. However, nearly all battery-electric vehicles (BEV) have but a single-speed transmission. Paddle shifters are completely unnecessary.
Audi A3 E-Tron

Audi A3 E-Tron

Audi A3 E-Tron

Audi A3 E-Tron

Audi A3 E-Tron

Audi A3 E-Tron

Audi A3 E-Tron

Audi A3 E-Tron

Audi A3 E-Tron


Autoblog , Audi A3 E-Tron, Audi A3 E-Tron

Valve's full-scale Portal turret is another treat from Weta Workshop, check out the unboxing video

Valve's full-scale Portal turret is another treat from Weta Workshop, check out the unboxing video

Last week Valve showed off an impressive Portal turret replica, but didn't mention where the thing came from, or why. Now it's posted another video of the original unboxing, and mentions that like its earlier TF2 turret, this is a Weta Workshop project complete with motion sensor for tracking.

Engadget , Valve's full-scale Portal turret is another treat from Weta Workshop, check out the unboxing video, Valve's full-scale Portal turret is another treat from Weta Workshop, check out the unboxing video

Turn Your Smartphone into a Scanner with the StandScan Pro

Turn Your Smartphone into a Scanner with the StandScan Pro

We've told you about several portable scanners, and readers have said they simply use their phone's camera to snap a shot.  I've tried the photo approach, but I often end up with a crooked image or a dark place that obscures some of the image.  That's fine for casual use, but it won't work so well when you need something more professional looking.  With the portable StandScan, you can ensure that your snapped copies look as professional as possible.  Unfold the StandScan Pro, place your smartphone on top (must have a back camera), and place your original on the platform below.

The Gadgeteer , Turn Your Smartphone into a Scanner with the StandScan Pro, Turn Your Smartphone into a Scanner with the StandScan Pro

Amazon adds 4G LTE Kindle Fire HD to lineup; priced at $499 with $50 yearly data plan

Amazon adds 4G LTE Kindle Fire HD to lineup; priced at $499 with $50 yearly data plan

. During its press conference in Santa Monica, California on Thursday, Amazon (AMZN) announced its first tablet with 4G LTE connectivity, the Kindle Fire HD 4G LTE. The 8.9-inch tablet will be offered for $499 and includes 250MB of data per month, 20GB of cloud storage and a $10 Amazon credit for just $49.99 a year. Amazon's latest tablet will operate on AT&T's 4G LTE network and includes an upgraded 32GB of internal storage. The Kindle Fire HD with 4G LTE will be available for preorder today and begin shipping on November 20th.

Boy Genius Report , Amazon adds 4G LTE Kindle Fire HD to lineup; priced at $499 with $50 yearly data plan, Amazon adds 4G LTE Kindle Fire HD to lineup; priced at $499 with $50 yearly data plan

Toyota debuts 'Let's Go Places' tagline

Toyota debuts 'Let's Go Places' tagline

There's more movement in the world of marketing: while Lincoln gets on with its "Reimagined" campaign, Toyota has announced a new ad slogan, "Let's Go Places." Time will tell where it slots into the brand's history of taglines, from the rather anonymous end where "Moving Forward" (the phrase it replaces) and "See how much car your money can buy" lives, to the more memorable "I love what you do for me!" and classic "Oh, what a feeling!" slogans. Toyota Tagline Signals New Direction and Invites Customers Along for the Ride. TORRANCE, Calif.

Autoblog , Toyota debuts 'Let's Go Places' tagline, Toyota debuts 'Let's Go Places' tagline

Monday, September 24, 2012

Windows Phone 8 on Nokia Lumia 920 preview

Windows Phone 8 on Nokia Lumia 920 preview

Joe Belfiore from Microsoft has taken to the stage at this morning's Nokia event in New York, showing off just what Windows Phone 8 is capable of on the new Nokia Lumia 920. Not all will be revealed though, so you can more or less say that this is a sneak peak – a preview before opening night. First off are some personalization options. Needless to say, it is always good to start from the beginning, and what better way to kick off than with the customization of start screen live tiles.
Windows Phone 8 on Nokia Lumia 920 preview

Windows Phone 8 on Nokia Lumia 920 preview


Ubergizmo , Windows Phone 8 on Nokia Lumia 920 preview, Windows Phone 8 on Nokia Lumia 920 preview

Sony RX1 camera leaks with full-frame sensor in compact body, laws of physics slightly bent

Sony RX1 camera leaks with full-frame sensor in compact body, laws of physics slightly bent

Here's something you probably didn't expect: a compact Sony camera with a full-frame sensor. While Photoprice.ca was uncovering a treasure trove of leaked press shots that include the Alpha A99 and NEX-6, it also came across images of the RX1, whose body looks borderline pocketable yet stuffs in the same kind of sensor (and likely image quality) you'd normally reserve for pro-grade models. Several extra details reveal themselves right from the start. The RX1 is carrying a 35mm, f/2.0 lens with no apparent button to detach the lens - the included glass is probably as good as it'll get.

Engadget , Sony RX1 camera leaks with full-frame sensor in compact body, laws of physics slightly bent, Sony RX1 camera leaks with full-frame sensor in compact body, laws of physics slightly bent

Siri shows incorrect weather forecasts for New Yorkers

Siri shows incorrect weather forecasts for New Yorkers

If you are in New York City, New York and recently asked Siri to tell you about the weather forecast for a few upcoming days, you may be in for a surprise. Siri is going to tell you that the weather is going to stay in the mid-90s for a few days, which is a bit too hot for the New Yorkers. Fortunately, that's untrue and Siri has been making mistakes. The voice-based personal assistant has apparently been mixing up the weather forecast of NYC with that of New York, Texas.

Ubergizmo , Siri shows incorrect weather forecasts for New Yorkers, Siri shows incorrect weather forecasts for New Yorkers

Nokia stacks up its maps next to Apple's and Google's, politely suggests it comes out on top

Nokia stacks up its maps next to Apple's and Google's, politely suggests it comes out on top

You might have noticed a brouhaha over map accuracy in iOS 6. Nokia undoubtedly did, as it's using the iPhone 5 launch to remind us that its strategy has been all about location lately. The crew in Espoo has pitted Nokia Maps from the Lumia 920 against both Apple's equivalent as well as Google Maps - and to no one's surprise, Nokia's own platform comes out on top. In practice, it's a relatively frank comparison that doesn't try to win on every point.

Engadget , Nokia stacks up its maps next to Apple's and Google's, politely suggests it comes out on top, Nokia stacks up its maps next to Apple's and Google's, politely suggests it comes out on top

Is Ford's Focus really the world's best-selling car this year?

Is Ford's Focus really the world's best-selling car this year?

Last week, Ford boasted that the Ford Focus was the best-selling car in the world through the first half of 2012, but Toyota fired right back claiming its compact sits in the top spot. Which automaker is correct. Well, both. Kind of.
Ford says that the Ford Focus has sold 489,616 units through June compared to 462,817 for the Toyota Corolla, and it even hired an independent firm, IHS Automotive, to calculate the sales figures. And this is where things get confusing. See, Ford sells the Focus globally under one name, but the Toyota Corolla is also sold with different body styles that carry different names...

Autoblog , Is Ford's Focus really the world's best-selling car this year?, Is Ford's Focus really the world's best-selling car this year?