Authentic NASA artifacts, Buzz Aldrin's dinner set for auction

Authentic NASA artifacts, Buzz Aldrin's dinner set for auction: "

Your long-held desire to own some authentic, Apollo-era vacuum-sealed, freeze-dried pot roast is about to be fulfilled. That's right: RR Auction is, well, auctioning artifacts from the Golden Age of the space program this upcoming January, including Gordon Cooper's father's gold and diamond 32nd degree Masonic ring and some random part of a Mercury capsule that's been mounted on a commemorative plaque. But that ain't all! To see a complete list of all five hundred items, or to get in on the action yourself, hit the source link.

Authentic NASA artifacts, Buzz Aldrin's dinner set for auction originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 02:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink TG Daily | RR Auction | Email this | Comments"

UK and French carriers working on cellular coverage for Channel Tunnel, aim to finish by 2012 Olympics

UK and French carriers working on cellular coverage for Channel Tunnel, aim to finish by 2012 Olympics: "

If you live in a technophile city like Taipei, you'll have been enjoying underground 4G for a long time now, but in London the rule is that you have to bid adieu to your mobile connectivity when diving into a tunnel. The city's Mayor has been active in encouraging (forcing?) the major British carriers to install the necessary equipment to provide coverage on the Tube, and now we're hearing that ambition has stretched beyond the nation's borders as well. The Daily Telegraph reports that Vodafone, O2, Everything Everywhere, and Three from the UK along with Orange, SFR and Bouygues from France have agreed to share the cost of putting together a £20 million ($30.8m) project for making cellular coverage possible while traveling through the 31.4-mile Channel Tunnel between the two countries. The goal is to get things up and running by the Olympics in 2012, though we've no indication as to what speeds those wireless data transfers will reach. Still, having some bars is better than none, right?

UK and French carriers working on cellular coverage for Channel Tunnel, aim to finish by 2012 Olympics originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 06:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VerbalVictor app gives voice to disabled

VerbalVictor app gives voice to disabled: "

With iTunes overrun with apps that do little more than find creative ways to promote products or otherwise suck time, it's nice to see mobile technology doing something that's, well, not so trivial. VerbalVictor, a $10 program, which should be available in the App Store next week, uses iPhone and iPad touch screens to allow people with disabilities to communicate with the outside world. Paul Pauca -- whose son suffers from Pitt Hopkins Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes delays in cognitive development, motor skills, and verbal communication -- developed the app as an affordable alternative to non-verbal communication devices. It touts functionality similar to the device used by Steven Hawking, but is far more accessible than the professor's $8,200 setup. VerbalVictor allows parents and caregivers to take pictures and record accompanying audio; the entries are then turned into buttons, which the user presses when they want to communicate -- sort of like a very advanced and customizable See N' Say. The device can be used for simple expressions, like an image of a dog that speaks 'dog' when pressed, or for recording commonly used phrases and complete sentences. It may never reach the popularity of, say iFart, but it's sure to win some dedicated users.

VerbalVictor app gives voice to disabled originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 07:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG Xnote P210 claims 'world's thinnest bezel' title, our undying appreciation

LG Xnote P210 claims 'world's thinnest bezel' title, our undying appreciation: "

If there's one thing we appreciate more than pixel density, it's slim bezels. LG, a traditional enemy of unsightly frames, is today staking its claim for having the world's thinnest bezel on a laptop with the new Xnote P210. This 12.5-inch machine is said to fit within the footprint of an 11.6-incher, but before you start throwing insults like 'netbook' around the place, do take note it has a dual-core Core i5-470UM processor inside -- capable of running between 1.33GHz and 1.86GHz -- 4GB of RAM, and a 320GB HDD. The LED-backlit display's resolution isn't specified beyond a note saying it's 'HD,' while Windows 7 Home Premium is the predictable OS of choice. Look for the P210 to hit Korea in February for around 1.3 million won (about $1,135), but don't hold your breath on it coming Stateside for anything other than a flying trade show visit.

Continue reading LG Xnote P210 claims 'world's thinnest bezel' title, our undying appreciation

LG Xnote P210 claims 'world's thinnest bezel' title, our undying appreciation originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 03:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Compulenta, Mini-notebook-laptop | LGEPR (Flickr), Newswire | Email this | Comments"

BMW X3 car

BMW X3 car: "

An all-rounder for the harshest of weather Irish Times - Dec 15, 2010 BMW has always tended towards on-avenue ability with its SUVs and the X3 is no exception. Clearly the engineers were briefed to heart on making this

Martha Stewart Designs her own new BMW X3. Advertiser Talk - Dec 15, 2010 The BMW Collection sales organization is represented in the US through networks of 338 BMW voyager car centers, 336 BMW Sports Activity Conduit centers, and more »

2011 BMW X3 iPad App Motorward - Dec 09, 2010 It is for the first occasion BMW launches a digital catalogue for their cars. The relevance combines the advantages of the classic product catalogue, and more »

Mini Countryman ALL4 Dakar Racer Goes Out Testing Kilometer Magazine - Dec 13, 2010 AutoExpressThe Mini ALL4 Racing, as the conduit is called, borrows a wealth of development from the BMW X3 racers that X-Onslaught has been perfecting for the past five Mini All4 Racing Set for DakarNew photos & knowledge for the X-Raid MINI Countryman ALL4 RacingMINI to enter at rally -all 12 news articles »

BMW X1 to hit Indian roads on 23rd Dec CarTradeIndia.com - Dec 14, 2010 security SUV line-up including BMW X3, X5 and X6. Meanwhile, BMW India has snatched the top satisfaction car maker's position from Mercedes Benz in the woods. and more »

BMW's sleek new 1-Series hatchback spyshots AutoSpies.com - Dec 15, 2010 BMW's glossy new 1-Series hatchback spyshotsThe next generation 1-series will rapids in line with the rest of the BMW range. The car has a newly sculpted hood reminiscent of the F10 5-series and F25 X3 and more »

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Fisker raises Karma plug-in hybrid base price to $95,900, brings that 750i back into consideration

Fisker raises Karma plug-in hybrid base price to $95,900, brings that 750i back into consideration: "

Oh, sure -- gas is bound to hit $4 a gallon before 2020, but you can buy an awful let of petrol with the money you'll save from dodging Fisker's increasingly expensive Karma. 'Course, those looking to blow 100 grand on an eco-friendly automobile are probably doing so just to throw Ma Earth a bone, but still -- money matters. Originally teased way back in the fall of 2007, Fisker's first plug-in hybrid still hasn't ended up anywhere near mass production, but it has managed to see two rather significant upticks in price all the while. Right around two years ago, we saw the $80,000 MSRP boosted by $7,000, and today, prospective customers are being notified via email that the Karma's base price is now sitting at $95,900 before a $950 destination fee. Granted, the company insists that this includes an integrated solar roof panel (valued at $5,000), and it still starts at $1,400 less than a Panamera S. And yeah, that base price does shrink to $88,400 after you include federal tax incentives. That said, we're doubting high-rollers that were dead-set on handing over $73,000 or so after tax breaks are currently stoked about an increase this large, particularly when there's still no definitive ship date. To Fisker's credit, we've seen General Motors go through similar trials and tribulations surrounding the Volt, and even at $95k, you'll be hard pressed to find more sexy than this on four (street legal) wheels.

Fisker raises Karma plug-in hybrid base price to $95,900, brings that 750i back into consideration originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 05:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thrustmaster T500RS steering wheel unveiled: $599 of Gran Turismo perfection

Thrustmaster T500RS steering wheel unveiled: $599 of Gran Turismo perfection: "

First the tease, now the payoff. Thrustmaster has officially announced the full specs and price for its T500RS steering wheel and pedal set, otherwise known as the official driving simulator for Gran Turismo 5. The T500RS purportedly lets 'users truly feel the emotions experienced by drivers on real racing circuits,' though whether this includes feelings of unquenchable anger from being put into the wall at Daytona is unclear. A contactless magnetic sensor system known as HallEffect AccuRate Technology gives gamers sixteen-bit precision input that represents a significant upgrade over the twelve-bit version in the Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition. Additionally, 1080 degree wheel rotation gives drivers a half-turn more than Logitech's Driving Force GT, and the system comes with fully adjustable pedals configurable for floor mounted (F1-style) and suspended (GT-style) positions. Slated for a late December or mid January release, depending on your location, the T500RS has a hefty list price of $599.99 MSRP, but how else will you find out what a Bugatti Veyron really handles like on the 'ring?

Gallery: GranTurismo Thrustmaster T500RS

Continue reading Thrustmaster T500RS steering wheel unveiled: $599 of Gran Turismo perfection

Thrustmaster T500RS steering wheel unveiled: $599 of Gran Turismo perfection originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Dec 2010 04:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BenQ rumored to debut 10.1-inch R100 Android tablet in early 2011

BenQ rumored to debut 10.1-inch R100 Android tablet in early 2011: "Chances are that we'll find out for sure next month at CES, but PC World has it on authority that BenQ will be throwing its hat into the overcrowded Android tablet ring early next year. The so-called R100 will be a 10.1-inch device, complete with a 1024 x 600 resolution touchscreen, an unspecified flavor of Android and a Samsung-built ARM CPU humming along at 833MHz. Moreover, we're told that the battery will run for a solid 12 hours before begging for mercy (and calling it a night), and it can also be used with a stylus -- you know, for handling both simplified and traditional Chinese handwriting. 8GB of internal storage, an SD slot, mini-USB port, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a mini-HDMI socket are also marked for inclusion, and of course, an 802.11b/g/n radio will be planted right alongside a Bluetooth module. There's no mention of a price just yet, and a company representative noted that images wouldn't be available until the device 'was officially launched.' Bah! Humbug!

BenQ rumored to debut 10.1-inch R100 Android tablet in early 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 05:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | PC World | Email this | Comments"

Nanopore DNA sequencing technique promises entire genome in minutes or your money back

Nanopore DNA sequencing technique promises entire genome in minutes or your money back: "

Those vaguely affordable DNA tests that promise to tell you just how likely you are to be stricken by some horrible and unavoidable genetic affliction in the future? They only look at a tiny fraction of the bits and bobs and bases that make up your genetic code. There's a race on to develop a quick and inexpensive way to sequence a human's entire genome, a process that costs about a million dollars now and takes ages but, via the technique under development at Imperial College London, could be done in a few minutes for a couple of bucks in 10 years. The process relies on nanopores, which are the go-to tech for companies trying to pull this off. Basically, a DNA strand is pushed through a 2nm hole on a silicon chip and, as it moves through, that chip is able to use an electrical charge to read the strand's coding sequence. That is then spit out to a supercomputer to crunch the numbers at a speed of 10 million bases per second and, within minutes, you too can have some hard data to make you freak out about the future -- and maybe a place to put your iPod, too.

Nanopore DNA sequencing technique promises entire genome in minutes or your money back originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Imperial College London | Email this | Comments"

Android trademark lawsuit tossed out, Google in the clear

Android trademark lawsuit tossed out, Google in the clear: "This is just sad, in a happy way. Last week, a judge threw out Erich Specht's attempt to extort $94 million from Google, Android Inc, and Open Handset Alliance. Apparently, the court wasn't swayed by the website that Specht threw up in order to prove he was still using the mark after his company went under in 2002. The judge then punctuated the decision with a cancelation of Specht's 'Android Data' trademark on grounds that he attempted to use it as a 'sword' against Google and because it could create confusion with the little green bot that consumers have become so enamored with. Ouch. Hooray for legal sanity.

Android trademark lawsuit tossed out, Google in the clear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 03:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | TechCrunch | Email this | Comments"

Android trademark lawsuit tossed out, Google in the clear

Android trademark lawsuit tossed out, Google in the clear: "This is just sad, in a happy way. Last week, a judge threw out Erich Specht's attempt to extort $94 million from Google, Android Inc, and Open Handset Alliance. Apparently, the court wasn't swayed by the website that Specht threw up in order to prove he was still using the mark after his company went under in 2002. The judge then punctuated the decision with a cancelation of Specht's 'Android Data' trademark on grounds that he attempted to use it as a 'sword' against Google and because it could create confusion with the little green bot that consumers have become so enamored with. Ouch. Hooray for legal sanity.

Android trademark lawsuit tossed out, Google in the clear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 03:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | TechCrunch | Email this | Comments"

Gmail's free voice calls will be available through all of 2011, still only in the US

Gmail's free voice calls will be available through all of 2011, still only in the US: "

While the rest of the world has yet to taste the sweet elixir of free voice calls from its email supplier, US-based Gmailers are having their fun extended for a whole new year. Back in August, Google made it possible to dial up voice numbers in the US and Canada for free, and now, in the true holiday spirit of keeping users happy and advertising dollars flowing, Google promises to keep that service free through all of 2011. And if it decides to extend it into 2012, we could have free calls until the end of the world.

Gmail's free voice calls will be available through all of 2011, still only in the US originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 03:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Download Squad | The Official Gmail Blog | Email this | Comments"

Two Kinects join forces to make 3D telepresence, enable virtual light saber battles (video)

Two Kinects join forces to make 3D telepresence, enable virtual light saber battles (video): "

UC Davis's Oliver Kreylos has been responsible for two of our most impressive Kinect hacks yet. He was one of the first to get proper 3D video out of the thing, following that up by pairing up two of the cameras, one to fill in the gaps of the other. You might have thought he was just playing around but no -- oh no. There was a method to the madness and his ulterior motive has been revealed: 3D telepresence. This is what he's been working on all along and he has an early version operational, using the output from two Kinects in a remote office to beam a 3D representation of another person to his display, which he can navigate around (and through) using a Wiimote. Meanwhile, the viewer can see the position of Oliver in real-time, a virtual camera floating around and enabling them to maintain eye contact despite her not actually looking at either physical camera. That demonstration is embedded after the break along with a somewhat fanciful follow-up in which Kreylos engages in a rather... protracted lightsaber battle against the forces of evil.

Continue reading Two Kinects join forces to make 3D telepresence, enable virtual light saber battles (video)

Two Kinects join forces to make 3D telepresence, enable virtual light saber battles (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | okreylos (YouTube) | Email this | Comments"

Volkswagen's London Taxi Concept: smaller, prettier, more electric than the real thing

Volkswagen's London Taxi Concept: smaller, prettier, more electric than the real thing: "

London would do well to dispense with the Concept label right now and just turn these into its next fleet of people carriers. Volkswagen has unveiled the latest in a series of World Taxis it's doing, prettying up London's admittedly iconic black cabs with a sheen of new paint, an all-electric drive, and an infusion of tablet-based infotainment. Based on the Up! city car, the London Taxi Concept has an estimated range of 186 miles and takes an hour to go from zero to an 80 percent charge. It also has a grayscale version of the Union Jack emblazoned on its roof, guess that's just how VW rolls. Sadly, we doubt anyone will be in a hurry to heed our sage advice and start using this concept any time soon, particularly since it doesn't pass London's taxi regulations at present, but it's a harbinger of a future we'd like to see become real.

Continue reading Volkswagen's London Taxi Concept: smaller, prettier, more electric than the real thing

Volkswagen's London Taxi Concept: smaller, prettier, more electric than the real thing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 03:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Autoblog Green | Email this | Comments"

Google Body Browser

Google Body Browser: "Google has recently demoed an interesting WebGL application called Body Browser, which lets you explore the human body just like you can explore the world in Google Earth. Now you can try Google Body Browser before it's added to Google Labs, assuming that you have a WebGL-enabled browser:

* WebGL is available, but not enabled by default in Chrome 8 (the latest stable version). Type about:flags in the address bar, click 'Enable' next to 'WebGL' and then click on 'Restart now'. Please note that this is an experimental feature in Chrome 8.
* WebGL is enabled by default in Chrome 9 Dev Channel, Chrome Canary Build and Firefox 4 beta.




Damon Hernandez was surprised to notice that the application doesn't require a plugin. 'Unlike other web based medical applications I have seen, no Flash, Java, or other plugins are needed. This application will run on any WebGL supported browser. (...) Last year I got the opportunity to work on an open standards based web3D medical app for learning the bones of the body. After witnessing how that app really helped students learn the bones, I am sold on using web3D for medical education.'

Here's Google's demo:

{ Thanks, Juuso. }

"

Fragrance Jet II receives video demonstration, still looks like a terrible idea (video)

Fragrance Jet II receives video demonstration, still looks like a terrible idea (video): "

Ah, those zany Keio University researchers trying to recreate Smell-O-Vision, do you want to know what they're up to these days? They're still trying, of course, but now they've taken the opportunity to demonstrate their hardware -- which uses basic inkjet printer tech to fire off very short bursts of fragrance -- to tech lovers in Japan while still tweaking and refining it. Primarily aimed at helping healthcare professionals in assessing a patient's sense of smell, the Fragrance Jet II has a high degree of control granularity, permitting the varying of both intensity and duration of a scent, which in turn can provide a very accurate measurement of a given person's olfactory acuity. A mobile prototype has also been trotted out (pictured above), hinting at the possibility of eventually shrinking these modules to fit inside cellphones and thus leading us to an awesome future of customizable 'incoming call fragrances.' Awesome indeed. Video after the break.

Continue reading Fragrance Jet II receives video demonstration, still looks like a terrible idea (video)

Fragrance Jet II receives video demonstration, still looks like a terrible idea (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 06:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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