Honda's got a lot riding on the upcoming 2015 NSX hybrid (which will be sold in the US as an Acura). When it launched in 1990, the iconic first generation NSX took the sports car market by storm with an impressive (and affordable) combination of performance, comfort, design and build quality. Production ended in 2005 with the company shifting its focus towards hybrids and other green vehicles. As such, Honda enthusiasts have eagerly been awaiting the NSX replacement. While the new flagship is still being developed, the company just announced the NSX Concept-GT, a hybrid race car which is designed...
Oppo's 4.7-inch R819 arrives with svelte 7.3mm profile, stock Android option
Oppo has just announced the R819, a 4.7-inch smartphone that's likely to have high appeal to lovers of stock Android. The Chinese firm will release the handset with its Oppo Color ROM, but users will also be able to install stock Android through a relatively simple sideloading procedure. Hardware wise, it's also decently spec'd, considering that Oppo seems to have tried to cram as much as it could into the sleek 7.3mm thick (.29 inch), 110 gram (3.9 ounce) shell. You'll get a quad-core MediaTek CPU, 720p IPS display, 1GB RAM, 16GB ROM, a Sony Exmor-equipped 8-megapixel f/2.0 rear camera with an...
Refresh Roundup: week of August 12th, 2013
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and...
Inhabitat's Week in Green: 'practical' jetpack, self-healing solar cell and lab-grown heart tissue
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.Tesla CEO Elon Musk wowed the tech and business worlds this week when he unveiled plans for a 700MPH solar-powered Hyperloop train that could catapult people from San Francisco to LA in just over half an hour. Although the plan is highly conceptual, nothing associated with Musk can be written off as fantasy these days. The news somehow managed to overshadow all other futuristic transportation stories, like Martin Aircraft's unveiling of a "practical" jetpack...
AirCast for Android sends local or cloud videos to Chromecast, test it out now
ClockworkMod dev Koushik Dutta has teased us with a few interesting ways to get our own media streaming on Chromecast, but now he's actually releasing one to the public. AirCast runs on your Android device and streams video from the gallery, Dropbox or Google Drive to Google dongle, with playback controls available in the app or from the notification bar. So why is this ready for release now? According to the developer, he's reverse engineered the protocols and is no longer using the SDK. Still, the app is just in testing now and he warns that the button doesn't appear in gallery apps on some...
BLU Life View hands-on
Looking for a smartphone with a large display, decent specs and a price tag just shy of $300 unlocked and contract-free? It's not an easy thing to find here in the US of A, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. In fact, a little-known manufacturer out of Miami known as BLU is doing its darndest to get on the map and show off its brute handset-making skills at a reasonable cost. It's been a big player in the KIRF arena for quite some time, but its latest lineup of phones -- Life -- appears to have a bit of personality of its own. Of the devices in the Life series, we've received an early unit...
Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight gets another $20 price drop, undercuts competition
Looking for a new e-reader? Barnes & Noble is trying to get your attention. The bookseller has knocked a solid $20 off the price of its Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight reader, underselling its competitors by the same amount. This is actually the device's second major price reduction-- the first drop, late last year, matched its price to Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite. Although price cuts often lead up to a device refresh, earlier this year Barnes & Noble was rumored to be stepping back from new hardware launches. Either way, we won't scoff at a cheaper Nook, considering how versatile it can...
Epson dangles $1,000 bounty to attract augmented reality apps
Epson's Moverio BT-100 is one of the more hackable headsets thanks to its Android control box, but few developers have given it a good look. The company may have an incentive for those coders -- it's holding its first-ever Moverio hackathon on August 24th and 25th. Those who visit Epson's Long Beach headquarters on those days can design and pitch an augmented reality concept in hopes of winning a either $1,000 grand prize or one of two $500 runner-up awards. Space is very limited at just 50 slots, so you'll want to sign up quickly if you're interested. Whether or not you can attend, the hackathon...
Microsoft explains Outlook.com outage, provides long-term fixes
It may have taken three days, but Microsoft has officially resolved its Outlook.com outage -- and it has both explanations and long-term solutions for affected email users. Trouble began with the failure of a caching service for Exchange ActiveSync. The resulting deluge of reconnection attempts promptly overwhelmed company servers; a slow recovery was necessary to avoid another meltdown, Microsoft says. To prevent repeat incidents, the tech giant is both upgrading its network capacity and implementing a more elegant error handling system. While the fixes likely come too late for some users, they...
Galaxy Mega 6.3 press render surfaces with navy blue body, AT&T branding
Courtesy of the ever-reliable @evleaks, it appears the Galaxy Mega 6.3 is indeed coming to AT&T. A purported press render shows the device colored in a navy blue plaid with the carrier's globe logo below the rear-facing camera. Of the few versions that passed through the FCC, you may recall that this one (SGH-I527 Melius) features Ma Bell-compatible LTE connectivity. There are currently no other details aside from all that, but it seems this behemoth of smartphone should hit the States soon.Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, SamsungCommentsSource: @evleaksClick Here To Compare ProductSearch...
Microsoft Tag closing on August 19th 2015, reminds us all crappy things must end
You know how QR Codes still aren't really a thing? Just imagine how popular Microsoft's proprietary alternative to the format has been. In a letter to its users, Redmond has conceded that Microsoft Tag will pass the way of all things on August 19th, 2015. That said, if you can't live without the system, QR Code company Scanbuy will be supporting certain Tag components from September of this year. We've included a suitably redacted version of the company's letter after the break, but be warned -- it contains toe-curling phrases like "digitally engage with brands in their everyday surroundings through...
KT Skylife plans to trial 4K satellite TV service in 2014
Satellite TV in Ultra HD quality is no longer just a dream: following a successful test broadcast this week, KT Skylife has unveiled a roadmap for offering 4K TV to its subscribers. The Korean provider plans to trial one channel of UHD content in the efficient H.265 (HEVC) video format next year, with a full commercial launch due in 2015. Widespread availability will depend on KT Skylife's ability to clear regulatory hurdles, CEO Jae-chul Moon says. The real challenge, however, may be finding customers with Ultra HD TVs. While prices are falling quickly, there's no guarantee that 4K sets will...
Ask Engadget: best fitness accessory?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, then here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Michelle, who's worried about the lumber she's carrying and if she can be doing more to exercise. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com."I'm worried that I don't get enough exercise, or even walk around enough during the working week. I'd love to be able to measure my activity and know when I've had a really slovenly day. Keep up the great work!"Firstly, we'd say that there's no one device...
Homebrew Kinect app steers Chromecast streams through gestures (video)
Chromecast may deliver on promises of sending wire-free video to TVs, but it's not hands-free -- or at least, it wasn't. Leon Nicholls has unveiled a homemade Kinect app for the desktop that gives him gesture-based control of videos playing through Google's streaming stick. While there's just two commands at this point, Nicholls hopes to open-source the code in the near future; this isn't the end of the road. If you can't wait that long, though, there's a quick demonstration available after the break.Filed under: HD, Microsoft, GoogleCommentsSource: Leon Nicholls (Google+)Click Here To Compare...
Microsoft axing Zune Marketplace rentals and sales, recommends Xbox Video and Music
Coinciding with the impending abandonment of Microsoft Points, the ability to rent and purchase media from Zune Marketplace will also be hitting retirement come August 22nd. A recently-posted FAQ on the Xbox website details the changes, directing current users to hurry up and use their remaining points as they'll be worthless come that EOL date. For future service Microsoft is unsurprisingly pointing users to Xbox Music and Video, noting that the latter will also be accessible on Xbox One, Windows Phone 8 and browsers "later this year." Unlimited streaming will be accessible through the Xbox Music...
How would you change LG's Optimus L7?
When we reviewed LG's Optimus L7, we compared it to BMW's 328i, saying that it was pitched as an entry-level car that could satisfy power-hungry buyers -- but really, that was very unfair on the vehicle in question. The problem with this particular phone is that while it promised to be a stylish low-price handset, the hardware inside didn't match its sleek exterior. Poor performance, bad voice quality, flaky touchscreen, slow data transmission and a lack of 3G bands for roaming meant that we suggested you look elsewhere. Still, what we want to know is did you agree with our reviewer? This is How...
Ceton ships InfiniTV 6 PCIe tuner, crams six HD channels into a home theater PC
Ceton vowed that it would release a PCI Express equivalent of its InfiniTV 6 ETH box, and it's delivering on that promise (if belatedly) by shipping the InfiniTV 6 PCIe. The adapter still lets Windows Media Center users watch or record up to six HD cable TV channels through one CableCARD, but in a form factor that slots neatly into a dedicated home theater PC. The board is in stock at Amazon and Newegg today at its expected $299 price. While that cost puts the InfiniTV PCIe at the high end of the TV tuner spectrum, it may be worthwhile for viewers who just can't afford to miss a show.Filed under:...
Mobile Miscellany: week of August 12th, 2013
If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week brought leaks of a smartphone that tips the scales with a 6-inch screen, an alternate ego to the oft-leaked Sony 'Honami' and the return of unlimited data to a certain AT&T MVNO. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore all that's happening in the mobile world for this week of August 12th, 2013.Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, MobileCommentsClick Here To Compare ProductSearch ResultMobile Miscellany: week of July 29th, 2013 - If you didn't get enough...
Switched On: Windows ReTreat
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.Today's hottest and best-selling tablets and smartphones have one thing in common: they are powered by ARM processors. Offered in such variations as NVIDIA's Tegra, Qualcomm's Snapdragon, Samsung's Exynos and Apple's A6, ARM processors dominate the leading edge of mobile products. At LG's recent announcement of its clever and well-appointed G2 smartphone, much was made of it being the first globally launched phone to include Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800; Android, in contrast, wasn't mentioned once. And the long reach...
WSJ: Beats Electronics looking to end HTC partnership
Whatever you feel about Beats' audio, you can't help but think that the company's partnership with HTC hasn't really worked out. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Dr. Dre and Co. are planning to buy back the phone maker's remaining 25 percent stake in the business -- just a year after HTC reduced its stake by half. Either way, we're hoping that this potential separation helps HTC get back to winning ways and frees up Dr. Dre to resuming prescribing those pills he's now so fond of.Filed under: Portable Audio/Video, Mobile, HTCCommentsVia: WSJ DigitsSource: Wall Street JournalClick Here...
Weekly Roundup: Smartphone buyer's guide, Hyperloop, Windows 8.1 release date, and more!
You might say the week is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workweek, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Weekly Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past seven days -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.CommentsClick Here To Compare ProductSearch ResultWeekly Roundup: Smartphone buyer's guide, Hyperloop, Windows 8.1 release date, and more! Switched On: Windows ReTreat; AirCast for Android sends local or ,If your library is up to date, If you're looking for free access...
12GB PlayStation 3 now available at Sony's US online store for $200
After some observant readers spotted it at Walmart and Future Shop in Canada, Sony's flash-based 12GB PlayStation 3 has turned up at its US online store. Originally slated for Europe and Hong Kong only, Sony decided to release the memory-challenged device stateside with virtually zero fanfare. It's now listed there for $200, as well as at the above retailers and possibly others -- though we're not really sure, because again, no fanfare. If you'd like to save 70 bucks over the 500GB version and skip all the spinning parts, hit the sourceFiled under: Gaming, SonyCommentsSource: SonyClick Here To...
Com Hem launches TiVo IPTV test, asks participants to blog their experience
Been wondering what it would be like to watch the tube through an IPTV box? Brush up on your Swedish: Com Hem is having its TiVo IPTV testers blog about it. The Stockholm-based TV provider dished out twenty (familiar looking) Samsung built receivers to select customers last week, asking them to document their experience on a company's website. The box promises participants the usual suite of TiVo features, including support for TiVoToGo and simultaneous DVR recording of up to three HD channels. The handful of participants who were at the launch event seem pretty jazzed, though updates quickly...
Minecraft creator scraps '0x10c' spaceship game, but fans run with concept
After suffering a "creative block" with development of his 0x10c project, Markus "Notch" Persson has definitively killed the idea, saying he has "no future aspirations" for it. The keenly anticipated game involved space travelers who wake up after an eons-long hypersleep and have to deal with enemies and other problems aboard their spaceship. He broke the news to disappointed fans on a livestream, but some have decided to keep the idea alive via community effort called Project Trillek. While they'd drop the whole cryosleep bit, the team would keep the concept of a crew navigating space and managing...
We're live from Gamescom 2013!
Gamescom is once more upon us, and a quartet of Engadget's finest are here in Cologne, Germany to cover all the major game happenings live from the (enormous) show floor at the Koelnmesse. We'll be at Sony's big event tomorrow afternoon bringing you liveblog coverage, and from Microsoft's "showcase" event -- Nintendo isn't holding anything formal, though we'd love to see a surprise Wii U price drop this week. Also, Valve and Epic are notoriously absent from 2013's proceedings.This year's show promises the first big European news assault on Microsoft and Sony's next-gen game boxes, not to mention...
Mars Explorer Barbie: yeah, Ken's over the moon for this one
Technologically inclined Barbie's aren't exactly new, but a Mars Explorer Barbie? Yeah, that's worth mentioning. In cooperation with NASA, the "Career of the Year Mars Explorer Barbie" is being "launched"... presumably right into Ken's ever-loving heart. We're told that she's ready to "add her signature pink splash to the red planet," and should be hitting Earthly shelves now for $12.99. The best part? Curiosity won't have to sing a birthday song alone ever again.Filed under: InternetCommentsVia: CNETSource: Barbie MediaClick Here To Compare ProductSearch ResultMateruata Mars Khiangte is on Facebook....
WhatsApp starts rolling out Push To Talk update
In a bid to keep up with competition, popular mobile messaging service, WhatsApp seems to be rolling out its Push To Talk service. While WhatsApp has not officially launched this feature yet, we are getting reports from users that they can see and use the function from their iPhones. What makes us curious is one of the users claims he received no update to WhatsApp and the feature just appeared on the app.UPDATE: We have a confirmation from WhatsApp that it is slowly rolling out the feature to users.Judging by the screenshots shared with BGR India, users will see a mic icon above the keyboard...
Firefox 23 now official with new logo, mixed content blocker (update: Android details)
After weeks of testing, Firefox 23 has arrived in completed form -- and it's bringing more than just a new logo. On the desktop, the new release includes a mixed content blocker that prevents insecure content from being compromised on otherwise secure websites. There's also a new network monitor for developers, more options to switch search providers and numerous minor tweaks. Mozilla hasn't yet said what's new in a corresponding upgrade to the Android build, but the new releases are available now at the source links.Update: Mozilla has detailed what Firefox 23 brings to Android. The finished...
