Friday, February 28, 2014

The Engadget Podcast is live at 12PM ET!




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The Engadget Podcast is live at 12PM ET!



On this week's episode of the Engadget Podcast, Terrence sits alone in a closet studio piled high with ancient gadgets that no one will ever use again. Palm Pres, Kins and Zunes appear to be his only friends -- Joseph and Ben have "more important...






App lets you attach digital messages to real-world objects... for fun?




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App lets you attach digital messages to real-world objects... for fun?



For those who don't know, Project Tango is a Google-built prototype smartphone jam packed with Kinect-like 3D sensors and components. One of Mountain View's software partners involved in the project, FlyBy Media, has built what it's calling the first...






Google's 'show me the menu' search brings the most important restaurant info up first




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Google's 'show me the menu' search brings the most important restaurant info up first



No matter how good the food is, it seems like many restaurants hide the most important info (what's cooking, and how much does it cost?) under a slew of sub pages, outdated Flash interfaces or bizarre PDF scans of printed pages. Google Search users...






Xbox One update preview adds new audio, Kinect options and a fix for UK TV




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Xbox One update preview adds new audio, Kinect options and a fix for UK TV



Xbox One owners who received a special ticket in their inbox are already testing out next month's update, and they've already uncovered a slew of tweaks. Beyond the multiplayer / party system changes and Twitch streaming we'd heard about, fans with...






Apple is reportedly launching iOS in the Car next week with Ferrari, Mercedes and Volvo




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Apple is reportedly launching iOS in the Car next week with Ferrari, Mercedes and Volvo



Apple's iOS in the Car has been a long time in coming -- we first heard about the automotive interface last June, and it still isn't ready despite the presence of relevant code in recent iOS 7 builds. The wait may soon be over, though, as the...






Adobe backs ConnectED Initiative, sends free software to schools




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Adobe backs ConnectED Initiative, sends free software to schools



Microsoft, Apple, Sprint and Verizon have already shelled out millions to help the president bring high-speed broadband to schools and amp up the role technology plays in education. Now Adobe's on the bandwagon too, and it's bringing along gobs of...






Daily Roundup: Ashton Kutcher designs smartphones, March Madness on WP8, and more!




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Daily Roundup: Ashton Kutcher designs smartphones, March Madness on WP8, and more!



You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all...






FIFA 14 is now available for Windows Phone footie fans




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FIFA 14 is now available for Windows Phone footie fans



Windows Phone owners no longer have to watch from the sidelines as their friends battle for supremacy in FIFA 14. EA has released a native version of the free-to-play soccer (aka football) title for Microsoft's platform with the same on-the-pitch...






Engadget Eurocast 055 - 2.28.14




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Engadget Eurocast 055 - 2.28.14



Ah, the joys of innocence. Jamie didn't know there was a Lego Movie, but Dan is here to fill him in on the details and deliver his thoughts on how it's the antithesis of Toy Story's rigid plot. The conversation then turns to Amazon's rebranding of...






Apple's new US promo gives Apple TV buyers free $25 iTunes gift cards




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Apple's new US promo gives Apple TV buyers free $25 iTunes gift cards



Color us intrigued. Apple seldom offers discounts on any of its devices outside of Black Friday, and yet it just launched a short, US-only promotion (PDF) that gives Apple TV buyers free $25 iTunes gift cards to jumpstart their media libraries....






Nissan's camera-equipped rearview mirror provides a clear view in low light




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Nissan's camera-equipped rearview mirror provides a clear view in low light



Rearview mirrors aren't always as useful as you might like -- bright headlights, weather or a basketball team in the back seats can make it tough to see what's behind you. None of those should be a problem once Nissan's new Smart rearview mirror...






Lenovo and Ashton Kutcher team up on special edition phones, due out this year




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Lenovo and Ashton Kutcher team up on special edition phones, due out this year



If at first you don't succeed... iterate, iterate, iterate on Android? After signing on Ashton Kutcher as a product engineer -- and then going on to release a pair of poorly received tablets -- Lenovo is dusting itself off. A marketing executive told...






Popular Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox files for bankruptcy protection (updated)




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Popular Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox files for bankruptcy protection (updated)



When the lights went out on Mt. Gox earlier this week, it wasn't entirely clear what was going on. Was the exchange about to be straightened out by another backer? What would happen to customers' coins? There were some big questions that needed...






Virgin Media pushes its fiber broadband top speed to 152Mbps




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Virgin Media pushes its fiber broadband top speed to 152Mbps



If, like Aaron Paul, you've got a Need for Speed, then Virgin Media's latest news is probably up your alley. The company has announced that it's pushing its top fiber broadband speed up from a 120Mbps all the way up to 152Mbps over the next 12...






Popular Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox files for bankruptcy protection




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Popular Bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox files for bankruptcy protection



When the lights went out on Mt. Gox earlier this week, it wasn't entirely clear what was going on. Was the exchange about to be straightened out by another backer? What would happen to customers' coins? There were some big questions that needed...






Google Barge bids farewell to San Francisco, to make Stockton its new California home




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Google Barge bids farewell to San Francisco, to make Stockton its new California home



Still think of the Google Barge as a wacky idea from a company that makes more money than it knows what to do with? Well, Mountain View will soon prove that a floating building has its merits: for one, when the company gets in trouble with...






Google Hangouts 2.0 for iOS redesigned with iPad tweaks, 10-second video messages




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Google Hangouts 2.0 for iOS redesigned with iPad tweaks, 10-second video messages



Google Hangouts just jumped a full version number on Apple hardware -- the first major update since it added voice calls late last year -- and 2.0 has more than just a new iOS 7-ready look. The new app is "fully optimized" for iPads, with a...






Hands-on with Samsung's vastly improved Tizen OS




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Hands-on with Samsung's vastly improved Tizen OS



Samsung's device lineup may still be heavily dominated by Android, but change is in the air. Tizen, the open-source OS it jointly develops with Intel, powers the company's three new Gear wearables, and smartphones are coming later this year. We got...






Google's new web gallery helps you find public map data




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Google's new web gallery helps you find public map data



A number of organizations offer public map data through Google Maps, but finding it can be tricky -- if you even know it exists. That may not be an issue now that Google has just launched its Maps Gallery. The web portal showcases location info from...






The next mobile imaging war won't be waged over megapixels




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The next mobile imaging war won't be waged over megapixels



For the past several years, improvements in smartphone cameras have followed the "more megapixels" mantra. Samsung's Galaxy S5 is up from 13 to 16 megapixels; Sony's new Xperia Z2 packs a 20.7-megapixel Exmor model; and Nokia's Lumia 1020 with...






Instapaper update for iOS lets you send media to your Kindle and TV




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Instapaper update for iOS lets you send media to your Kindle and TV



Instapaper's already broad device support has just grown a little bit broader. The service's updated iOS app lets you send articles to Kindle for reading on one of Amazon's devices, and you can push videos to your big-screen TV through AirPlay. Even...






Report: Less than one percent of mobile gamers responsible for half of all in-app purchases




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Report: Less than one percent of mobile gamers responsible for half of all in-app purchases



With the runaway success of Candy Crush Saga, it's perfectly natural to wonder just how many people are dropping coin in freemium mobile games. One firm's answer, however, might surprise you. A very small number -- 0.15 percent, to be exact -- of...






Facebook discontinuing its Messenger for Windows app on March 3rd




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Facebook discontinuing its Messenger for Windows app on March 3rd



It looks like Facebook is getting a jump on spring cleaning. Three days after shuttering its @facebook.com email service, the company said it's killing off Messenger for Windows. Though the Windows desktop app won't be discontinued until March 3rd,...






Dish Explorer for iPad can now recommend shows and turn on your TV




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Dish Explorer for iPad can now recommend shows and turn on your TV



If you own one of Dish's Hopper DVRs and have ever been stumped as to what to watch next, you'll want to grab the latest version of Dish Explorer for the iPad. The new app now recommends shows based on your viewing habits; watch a lot of crime dramas...






Thursday, February 27, 2014

Catch Pokémon on Netflix starting March 1st




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Catch Pokémon on Netflix starting March 1st



Look, we get it. You've got a fever, and the only prescription is more Pokémon. We've all heard it before. Thankfully, this time there's a solution: a heap of Pokémon content is coming to all Netflix territories on March 1st. That's, "the classic...






Pieces might be falling into place for a Minecraft movie from Warner Bros.




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Pieces might be falling into place for a Minecraft movie from Warner Bros.



Prepare thyselves, Minecrafters. Earlier today, Deadline reported that Warner Bros. had acquired the rights to turn the indie phenomenon Minecraft "into a major motion picture." The popular franchise has apparently already drawn "huge interest" from...






Chrome's hands-free voice search is coming to everyone, no add-on required




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Chrome's hands-free voice search is coming to everyone, no add-on required



If you've wanted hands-free Google voice search (à la Android's Now Launcher) on the desktop, you've so far had to install a Chrome extension. No more -- the company has released a Chrome beta that builds the feature into the browser. Any time you...






Sorry, shredders: Tony Hawk's new game is a mobile-only affair




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Sorry, shredders: Tony Hawk's new game is a mobile-only affair



After Tony Hawk's massively popular Pro Skater game series faded into the sunset (and the Ride/Shred series lit that sunset ablaze with nuclear warheads), the world went a few lonesome years without a new Tony Hawk title. 2014 is apparently the year...






Netflix engineers experiment with bump-based video sharing and sleep tracking




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Netflix engineers experiment with bump-based video sharing and sleep tracking



Netflix uses its internal Hack Day competitions to encourage new thinking around its streaming video service, and its latest event has produced a few clever experiments that we wouldn't mind seeing in finished apps. One of them, Netflix Beam, uses...






Rent a New York City apartment by the hour for... well, it's up to you




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Rent a New York City apartment by the hour for... well, it's up to you



Sometimes, New York City can be unbearable. Sometimes, you just need a break. Breather wants to offer you that break, in a variety of "beautiful, practical spaces" that are available by the hour. Think of it like a rentable, temporary office. Sound...






SugarSync for Android gets more offline features, full-resolution media uploads




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SugarSync for Android gets more offline features, full-resolution media uploads



Cloud storage service SugarSync has updated its Android app with quite a few nifty features. For starters, the application now allows any file to be saved to your device or SD card card -- a feature that will come in handy when you don't have a...






ABC to stream the Oscars for the first time, but only for select viewers




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ABC to stream the Oscars for the first time, but only for select viewers



ABC will be streaming its live coverage of the Oscars this weekend for the first time ever, but there are some important caveats. First, the awards show will only be viewable through Watch ABC on the web or through ABC's iOS and Android apps, both of...






British spy agency reportedly collected millions of webcam images from Yahoo users




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British spy agency reportedly collected millions of webcam images from Yahoo users



Britain's surveillance agency, GCHQ, hasn't fared much better than the NSA these past several months; the latest leak shared with the Guardian claims that Britain has been collecting millions of webcam images from Yahoo users. What's more, it appears...






Federal Reserve has no authority to regulate Bitcoin, according to Chairwoman




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Federal Reserve has no authority to regulate Bitcoin, according to Chairwoman



Well, it doesn't appear that the Federal Reserve will be stepping in to regulate the volatile virtual currency Bitcoin any time soon. According to the new Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen, the central banking system has no authority over Bitcoin. In...






BBC head wants all iPlayer users to pony up the licence fee




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BBC head wants all iPlayer users to pony up the licence fee



The BBC's budget is getting squeezed, and as such, everyone who uses its service is going to be made to pay up. Lord Hall, the BBC's Director-General, has announced that he's pushing to close the famous iPlayer Loophole, adding around £72 million to...






Apple explains how the iPhone's fingerprint sensor keeps your info secure




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Apple explains how the iPhone's fingerprint sensor keeps your info secure



If you've ever wanted to know how the iPhone 5s' Touch ID fingerprint security works beyond a basic overview, you'll be glad to hear Apple has just delivered a motherlode of new details. An updated version of its iOS Security white paper (PDF)...






What to expect from the first generation of Ubuntu smartphones (hands-on)




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What to expect from the first generation of Ubuntu smartphones (hands-on)



The Ubuntu Touch smartphone OS has come a long way, but it still has further to plod before it's ready for market - all Canonical will tell us that it hopes to see an Ubuntu phone before the end of this year. Nevertheless, now that some phone...






Google adds the 'Polar Bear capital of the world' to Street View




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Google adds the 'Polar Bear capital of the world' to Street View



One of the more immediate effects of climate change is that the icy habitats of the Polar Bear are very rapidly evaporating. In an attempt to connect people more directly to the issue, Google and Polar Bears International have teamed up to bring the...






Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 8:45PM ET




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Join the Engadget HD Podcast live on Ustream at 8:45PM ET



We missed Tuesday, the regular day for the Engadget HD Podcast, but we hope you'll join us tonight when the Engadget HD podcast starts recording live at 8:45PM. Comcast is once again in the news this week but this time for making a big deal with one...






Laptop deals of the week: 2.26.14




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Laptop deals of the week: 2.26.14



If that aging laptop is giving you problems, you might just want to take a peek at the collection of discounted machines that we've compiled after the break. There are Windows, Mac and Chromebook options at a range of prices, so there's surely...






Engadget Mobile Podcast 200 - MWC edition - 2.26.14




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Engadget Mobile Podcast 200 - MWC edition - 2.26.14



The Mobile Podcast turns 200 today and we're coming to you direct from the MWC showfloor in Barcelona, so please excuse all the background hustle and bustle. Brad Molen and crew are providing some fresh first-hand perspective about Samsung's new...






Google+ for Android learns even more photo editing tricks from Snapseed




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Google+ for Android learns even more photo editing tricks from Snapseed



Google+ has been taking cues from Snapseed ever since the company snapped up the app, and this refresh for Android is no different. The update introduces tools like crop, rotate and one-touch filters. It also comes with Snapseed-like enhancements,...






Volvo announces new 'human machine interface' and it looks a lot like a tablet (video)




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Volvo announces new 'human machine interface' and it looks a lot like a tablet (video)



Tesla isn't the only automaker with a tablet-like center console. Volvo's latest "human machine interface" will debut at next week's Geneva Motor Show -- however, it could be a bit simpler than what we've seen from the competition. The screen is...






Japanese cable provider launches on-demand gaming service, will stream Sonic and PES titles




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Japanese cable provider launches on-demand gaming service, will stream Sonic and PES titles



Sony's PlayStation Now streaming game service is still months away from launch, but Japanese cable company KDDI is testing the idea with the app-based GameNow service, through cable. It's the same company responsible for LG's Smart TV game service,...






Monsanto pushes Big Data-driven planting but farmers are skeptical




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Monsanto pushes Big Data-driven planting but farmers are skeptical



Some farmers are worried that with the latest push from seed manufacturers, their planting techniques could be used against them. Monsanto and DuPont (two of the largest seed providers in the world) are urging farmers to implement data-driven...






'American Idol' betting on Google and Facebook to increase fan interaction




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'American Idol' betting on Google and Facebook to increase fan interaction



Expect tonight's American Idol to come with a bit of an internet twist. In an effort to mix up the type of interaction fans can have with the show, FOX has announced a new partnership with Google and Facebook. Now, each time an episode airs live,...






Automatic Link driving assistant can now auto-post to Facebook, other apps




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Automatic Link driving assistant can now auto-post to Facebook, other apps



One of the greatest benefits of Automatic's Link driving assistant dongle is that it finally made it possible to hook your car's metadata to the web. You could then use your smartphone to do things like track your trips, note your parking spot and...






Game makers can now start their own Steam sales, to your wallet's chagrin




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Game makers can now start their own Steam sales, to your wallet's chagrin



If you're like many of the PC gamers we know, you wait eagerly for Valve's Steam sales; they're chances to stock up on games that were previously unaffordable. Thanks to a new Steamworks update, you won't necessarily have to be so patient. Game...






Wednesday, February 26, 2014

US Senator asks for a Bitcoin ban, but don't hold your breath




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US Senator asks for a Bitcoin ban, but don't hold your breath



Many will tell you that Bitcoin stands on shaky legal ground. Senator Joe Manchin, however, believes it's outright dangerous -- to the point that he has sent a letter to regulators asking them to ban the digital currency. There's no regulation, he...






Google wants its Project Ara modular smartphone to cost $50




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Google wants its Project Ara modular smartphone to cost $50



How much will a modular smartphone set you back? If Google gets its way, about $50 -- assuming you forgo all of the bells and whistles. The team behind Project Ara wants to launch what it calls a "grayphone," a barebones customizable exoskeleton that...