Termites chow on Indian currency: A bank in India opened a vault to find termites had eaten through millions of rupees, Friday.
Large Hadron Collider smashes beam intensity record, inches closer to discovering God particle
Already a record holder for mashing protons together at 7 TeV (trillion electron volts), the Large Hadron Collider can now add world’s brightest beam to its list of accomplishments. Beam intensity is a way of measuring the number of collisions in its 17-mile-long track, and a higher intensity means more impacts — which, in turn, means more data, increasing the likelihood that the elusive Higgs boson will rear its head (should such a thing exist). The LHC smashed the previous luminosity record set last year by the Tevatron collider. What’s next for the CERN team, with two world records under its belt? Largest beard of bees.
Large Hadron Collider smashes beam intensity record, inches closer to discovering God particle originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Microsoft patent application shows custom Kinect gestures, roaming user profiles
Since Kinect entered the world, modders have been hacking it for everything from playing Tetris to controlling a web browser. And really, Microsoft never seemed to mind. In case it wasn’t obvious how much the company wants you to help find new uses for the technology, the folks in Redmond have filed a patent application for custom profiles. We can see that having implications for gaming and even Windows shortcuts, but for now Microsoft expects it to improve Kinect’s accuracy by learning how you move — after all, no one jumps or points or apes Lady Gaga’s dance moves in exactly the same fashion, right? In other cases, the system might note that you prefer to make an “X” sign instead of a checkmark when selecting an object onscreen. And those personalized settings can roam over a network, shadowing you as you switch devices. Personally, we’re stoked about the idea of making our best Julian Assange dance a bona fide gesture, but we’ll be happy enough if Kinect can make up for our natural ungainliness.
Continue reading Microsoft patent application shows custom Kinect gestures, roaming user profiles
Microsoft patent application shows custom Kinect gestures, roaming user profiles originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Windows 7 has sold more than 350 million licenses
It is hard to believe but Windows 7 has been on the market for 18 months. During that time, the platform has experienced tremendous growth and adoption by users all over the world; including business environments.
Announced today on the Windowsteamblog is that Windows 7 has sold more than 350 million…
Self-healing polymer serves up quick fixes under UV rays (video)
As many self-healing polymers as we’ve seen roll across our screens, we never really tire of them — chalk it up to our unending quest for perfection, but we like our gadgets devoid of nicks and scratches. Lucky for us, a team of scientists that shares our need for clean has produced a material that fixes its imperfections in a mere 60 seconds when exposed to UV light. The typically rigid material basically melts down when exposed to rays of a specific wavelength, allowing it to fill in any nicks or dings. When the light is lifted, the polymer goes back to its original form, and voila — the surface is like new. Its creators say the material could be used on everything from cars to dining room tables, but we’ve already come up with laundry list of devices that could do with a truly scratch resistant surface. Video of the stuff in action after the break.
Continue reading Self-healing polymer serves up quick fixes under UV rays (video)
Self-healing polymer serves up quick fixes under UV rays (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 07:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Eee Pad Transformer US edition lacks GPS, but don’t tell ASUS that
ASUS’ shape-shifting Transformer might be ready to make its way across the pond, but don’t expect it to find its own way, because the US version won’t be packing GPS — at least not as we know it. The tablet’s official specs might lead you to believe otherwise, but according to a rather long and cryptic thread on Facebook, you’ll need a WiFi connection if you want the thing to take you places. After a review posted to AnandTech pointed out the slate’s apparent lack of GPS, ASUS revealed that there will be “No GPS in North America.” The company goes on to contradict itself, saying the US edition will include “location GPS” but not “Navigation GPS” — whatever that means — before settling on this:
“You need to be connected to wi-fi for the maps program to locate you at first, then it can guide the rest of the way. But if you powered off half-way you’d have to reestablish connection before making navigation changes.”
Now, you can call it A-GPS or location GPS — heck you can call it magic — but that doesn’t change the fact that ASUS’ US edition of the Eee Pad Transformer will not come equipped with GPS.
[Thanks, Richard]
Eee Pad Transformer US edition lacks GPS, but don’t tell ASUS that originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Samsung strikes back at Apple with ten patent infringement claims
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone: in the latest chapter of the Apple-Samsung dispute over their smartphones’ resemblance, the latter company has just retaliated by filing lawsuits against Apple in three countries. Sammy’s load of ammo includes five patent infringements in South Korea, two in Japan, and three in Germany, though we’ve yet to hear more details about these claims. Now we just sit back and enjoy the show — popcorn, anyone?
[Thanks, Jake L.]
Update: Reuters has shed some light on the actual patents Samsung is alleging are being infringed. The news organization reports they relate to “power reduction during data transmission, 3G technology for reducing errors during data transmission, and wireless data communication technology.”
Samsung strikes back at Apple with ten patent infringement claims originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 23:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Self-Correcting Laser Rifle Sight Gives the Most Accurate Shot Yet [Weapons]
When you’re aiming at a target two miles away, the slightest perturbation could end up causing a catastrophic miss – not good enough for today’s military. Until guns can aim themselves, snipers need the most accurate weapons possible. Engineers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory came up with a laser-guided correction system that ensures a shooter’s crosshairs are always on the mark. More »
Apple Stores stocking Square credit card readers
Jack Dorsey’s über-popular credit card readers got a big thumbs-up from Cupertino this week. Square‘s devices are hitting Apple’s 235 US retail locations and Apple.com for $9.95 a pop — plus the 2.75 percent that the startup takes off the backend each time you use the reader — or you can always just sign up for a free one over on Square’s site. The iPhone / iPad / iPod touch plug-in accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and yes, even American Express. The CEO of VeriFone will no doubt have plenty to say about the matter.
Update: It turns out you get a $10 redemption code in the box when you buy a Square reader at an Apple store, so it is still technically free (just not, you know, when you buy it).
[Thanks, Michael]
Apple Stores stocking Square credit card readers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Reuters: Apple set to launch cloud-based music service ahead of Google (update)
It’s the rumor that wouldn’t die, and Reuters is now reporting that Apple is finally set to launch a cloud-based music service — presumably putting its massive North Carolina data center to some real work at long last. Details are still fairly light beyond that, but Reuters says that Apple’s service will actually launch ahead of Google’s similar cloud-based option, which it reports is now “stalled,” citing “several people familiar with both companies plans.” According to Reuters, the service will let folks store their music (and only music, apparently) on Apple’s servers and then access it on any device with an internet connection — and a copy of iTunes, we presume.
Update: Peter Kafka, over at All Things Digital, backs up Reuters’ claim with some additional detail. Unlike Amazon’s approach with Cloud Player, Apple is actively seeking to license the music for its streaming service before launching. According to Kafka’s sources, Apple has already secured deals with two of the big four labels and plans to launch “pretty soon.” The deal would allow Apple to store a single master copy of a track on its servers and then share that track with multiple users. As Kafka describes the service, “The idea is that Apple will let users store songs they’ve purchased from its iTunes store, as well as others songs stored on their hard drives, and listen to them on multiple devices.”
Reuters: Apple set to launch cloud-based music service ahead of Google (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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MLB likely to add 2 playoff teams for 2012
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig expects the playoffs to expand from eight teams to 10 for the 2012 season. Selig said scheduling is the major issue of discussion, including how many games the new wild-card round will be.
Amazon updates Kindle app for Honeycomb, shows that tablets really do exist
If you’ve done any Kindling on your Xoom or your G-Slate or your Transformer or whatever little slice of Honeycomb you’re calling home, chances are you’ve noticed the app isn’t exactly optimized for the relatively big screen of your slate. Well, now it has been. As promised, Amazon has just pushed an update to the Kindle app that makes it decidedly more 3.0-friendly. Gone is the ugly list of books, replaced by a lovely grid of titles including cover art. Just tap to start reading. Text itself within the books is higher-res and page turning seems snappier too. Worth the download? For sure — especially since it’s still free.
Continue reading Amazon updates Kindle app for Honeycomb, shows that tablets really do exist
Amazon updates Kindle app for Honeycomb, shows that tablets really do exist originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Sharp announces WiFi-enabled Freestyle Aquos portable TV for Japan
The phrase “portable TV” may conjure up images of a handheld device or luggable 5-inch CRT for most folks, but it looks like Sharp is intent on changing that perception. It's just announced its new Freestyle Aquos portable TV — a 20-inch, WiFi-enabled LED set that comes paired with a wireless digital TV tuner so you can roam around your house with it. As you can see above, it also comes complete with a handle (which can be used to hang it on a wall), and a built-in kickstand for some tabletop or countertop viewing. It even packs DLNA support so you can access your media library although, contrary to its tablet-esque appearances, you can just reach out and touch it — you'll have to do things the old fashioned way with a remote control. There's still no word on any plans for a North American release, but folks in Japan will be able to pick one up in their choice of black, white or pink in early June for ¥100,000 (or roughly $1,220). Head on past the break for a video.
Continue reading Sharp announces WiFi-enabled Freestyle Aquos portable TV for Japan
Sharp announces WiFi-enabled Freestyle Aquos portable TV for Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Queen Elizabeth turns 85
The Queen celebrates her 85th birthday, eight days before the wedding of her grandson, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.
A&E Sets Premiere Date for Season 2 of 'The Glades'
Protean Electric in-wheel motors have the stuff to make an F-150 turn green
An energy efficient Ford F-150 certainly sounds like an oxymoron, but the folks at Protean Electric have proven that even this gas guzzler can go green. So how’d they do it? Well, with in-wheel motors of course. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this technology put to use, but if things go according to plan, Protean’s version of the in-wheel motor could be road ready as soon as next year. The things weigh 68 pounds (31 kilograms) a piece and offer 110 horsepower per wheel. When pared with this F-150 — rocking a custom battery — they offered up 100 mile-per-hour speeds and a range of 100 miles. That might not be enough to take you across the great state of Texas, but it’s certainly sufficient for tooting around the ranch. Head on over to the source link for more on Protean’s in-wheel technology.
Protean Electric in-wheel motors have the stuff to make an F-150 turn green originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Panasonic Chargepad wirelessly juices up mobile chargers, nothing else
We’ve seen plenty of wireless charging solutions that employ inductive power and other technologies to charge devices directly (heck, your next car may even have a Powermat in its console), but Panasonic’s Chargepad may be the first such product to charge, well, other chargers, rather than gadgets themselves. At launch, the Chargepad will only be compatible with two models, the QE-PL101-W and QE-PL201-W, which you can use to juice up cell phones and other USB-compatible devices on the go. We’d love to see the company embedding inductive charging components in its cameras and other devices instead, but if you’re an early adopter who happens to live in Japan, then you can expect to pay between $110-130 (open pricing, depending on battery capacity) for the Chargepad and a mobile charger when these hit stores on June 24.
Update: As reader SegueToNowhere points out, the Chargepad has a Qi logo, meaning it should work with your favorite Qi devices.
Panasonic Chargepad wirelessly juices up mobile chargers, nothing else originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Japan Makes Radiation Evacuation Zone Mandatory [Japan]
Long overdue: the mushy “suggested” evacuation now has some force behind it. The Japanese government has declared a 12 mile radius around the crippled Fukushima plant a mandatory evacuation zone—all but emergency workers are banned from entering. More »
Canadians are 2nd happiest in world: survey
Canadians share second place among the most contented people on the planet, according to a global survey that asked respondents to rate their own lives.
FreshStart Syncs Your Browser Sessions Across Systems [Downloads]
Chrome: You use Chrome on every computer where it’s possible. Wouldn’t it be nice if Chrome could, like Firefox, keep note of what tabs you had open on another system? The FreshStart extension does just that, and can also save your favorite tab sessions for easy loading. More »
