Google Maps SDK v1.4 for iOS brings Street View, indoor maps to your app
While the Google Maps update for iOS is barely out of the cellophane, Mountain View's keeping up the momentum with a matching SDK revision. Version 1.4 of the developer kit for iOS maps allows app makers to hook into some of the new features, and bring them right into their own creations. Now, you'll be able to add Street View imagery -- with optional markers -- from over 50 countries (including recently added landmarks), introduce floor plans, and benefit from the more neutral maps design. There's a slew of bug fixes too, which can be found at the source. Want the info from developer relations at Google Maps directly? Then, head past the break for the video walkthrough.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Google
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Via: Google Developer blog
Source: Google Developers
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Acer reportedly replacing Iconia W3 Windows tablet after just a few months
Here's some double-edged news, the significance of which depends on whether you just bought an Acer Iconia W3 or were holding off for something with better components. Acer spokeswoman Sterre Swank, quoted by Tweakers.net, has revealed that a successor to the pioneering eight-inch Windows 8 tablet will be out in September with a thinner, lighter build and possibly an upgraded IPS display. In other words, the existing model could be made obsolete within a few months of being on the market, and we're seeking confirmation of this directly from Acer.
Switching the display would certainly solve one the most serious gripes we raised in our review, but we don't know yet if there'll be an impact on the price tag, which stands at $380 for the W3. Also, as we get closer to the end of this year, it makes more sense to wait for Windows 8 tablets with next-gen Atom processors (known as Bay Trail), as the current Clover Trail chips are already straining under the weight of existing desktop applications.
Filed under: Tablets, Acer
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Source: Tweakers.net
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Ford hybrid software update will improve gas mileage, arrives in August
Apparently the window stickers of Ford's hybrid line didn't tell the whole story when it came to gas mileage. After a series of class-action lawsuits regarding fuel usage estimates and Consumer Reports noticing the vast disparity between what was advertised and what was possible, the blue oval company is finally paying the piper. To make it right, the Dearborn automaker is offering a free software update for C-MAX, Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models starting this August. There are a slew of fixes beyond supposedly better fuel efficiency, but perhaps the most dramatic is an increase in electric-only top speed. After the patch, the gas motor kicks in when the power plant reaches 85MPH, instead of the previous 62MPH threshold. No, your 88MPH joke won't work here, so don't even try it.
Filed under: Transportation
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Source: Reuters
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HTC One Mini shows up as 601e in Chinese certification database
Why hello again, One Mini! While HTC has yet to make this metallic 4.3-inch phone official, the closest thing we have right now is this certification in China's TENAA database. What's new is the "601e" model name, which positions it in a similar tier as the other slightly bigger 600 series devices destined for China, namely the Desire 606w (aka Desire 600 Dual SIM globally), Desire 608t and Desire 609d. But unlike these models nor the Chinese variants of the larger One, it appears that this 601e with WCDMA radio is just a single-SIM device. With the appearance of this filing, it shouldn't be long before the One Mini finally hits the shelves around the world.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC
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Via: ePrice
Source: TENAA
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Nokia Lumia 625 leaks in China, packs 4.7-inch screen
Well, what do we have here? According to China's official certification website (TENAA), this above is the unannounced Nokia Lumia 625. The handset apparently features a 4.7-inch WVGA screen with super-sensitive touch, 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, 512MB of RAM and 2,000mAh battery -- basically a lower-end model. While the listing only mentions GSM / GPRS and WCDMA / HSPA support, the phone supposedly includes LTE, and wraps everything in a unibody design that follows the attractive looks of its smaller cousin, the Lumia 620. In fact, the shape appears to match the RM-941 that passed through the FCC back in June. The device is expected to land in China at the end of July for 1,999 yuan ($325) -- just hit the source link below for more info.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Nokia
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Via: LiveSide
Source: TENAA
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UK to test driverless cars on public roads before the end of 2013
While Americans have seen a few driverless cars on the open road, their British counterparts have had to settle for demos on private circuits. They'll get a better glimpse soon, though, as the UK Department for Transport now expects tests on public streets by the end of 2013. The initial trial runs will be gentle -- Oxford University's Nissan Leaf-based RobotCars will drive only on lightly trafficked roads, with humans tagging along in the event of a crisis. We haven't yet seen a timetable for more aggressive experiments, but we're not exactly in a hurry to compete with early autonomous cars during rush hour.
[Image credit: Oxford University]
Filed under: Robots, Transportation
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Via: BBC
Source: Gov.uk
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Acer's 23-inch Z3-605 all-in-one ships to the US, starting at $700
Want a straightforward Windows 8 all-in-one that won't cost a pretty penny? Acer has you covered with the launch of its Z3-605 Series in the US. The 23-inch desktop isn't a performance champ when it carries up to a Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive and a DVD burner. Don't dismiss it out of hand, however -- the 1080p IPS-based LCD should deliver a good-looking picture, and a touchscreen variant supports air gestures. If there's enough here to leave you intrigued, you can pick up the Z3-605 today for a modest $700 in base trim, or with touch for $800.
Filed under: Desktops, Acer
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Source: Acer
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US Cellular to reintroduce contracts for existing customer upgrades
Snagging a subsidized phone after completing a two-year contract with US Cellular has meant not having to ink another 24-month commitment, but it looks like that's about to change. We've gotten wind from an internal source that the firm will return to its old ways, requiring existing Belief Plan customers angling for discounted hardware to hitch their wagon to the carrier for an additional two trips around the sun. These changes aren't slated to take effect until July 27th, so we recommend pulling the trigger on that upgrade you've been eyeing before then.
Update: We've just received a statement from US Cellular confirming the changes. Head past the break to read it in full.
[Thanks, Anonymous]
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
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Google Maps 2.0 for iOS starts rolling out with iPad support, indoor maps (update: offline maps too)
The revamped Google Maps design reached Android last week; now, it's iOS' turn. Google Maps 2.0 is gradually rolling out worldwide for Apple's platform, and it's bringing the Android version's discovery and exploration components as well as some new-to-iOS features. Long-anticipated iPad support is the highlight, although there's also indoor navigation, live traffic updates and incident reports. Maps 2.0 hasn't hit the US just yet, although it should be available shortly.
Update: It looks like it's hit the US App Store as of midnight ET or so, check the link below to grab the update yourself. If you're looking for offline maps, those are available with an Easter Egg like the one first featured in the Android version. Just zoom to the area you'd like to cache, then type "Ok maps" in the search box. [Thanks @carloslarez]
Filed under: Cellphones, GPS, Tablets, Mobile, Google
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Via: 9to5 Mac
Source: App Store (US), Google Maps (Twitter), Google Maps Blog
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Tumblr for iOS receives critical security update, users urged to change passwords
A fresh version of Tumblr just hit iOS devices less than a week ago, but now the Yahoo-owned service is pushing out a newer release with "a very important security update." Not only is the outfit recommending that users download the tweaked app immediately, but it's also asking folks to change their password on Tumblr and on any other service they use the same passphrase. There's no mention of a breach or exactly what the new code patches up, but we'll keep you in the proverbial loop as we learn more.
Update: We've gotten word from Tumblr that it was notified of a security vulnerability and immediately dispatched the update to remedy the issue. Hit the break to read the outfit's entire statement.
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Via: The Next Web
Source: Tumblr, iTunes
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Data.gov redesign preview modernizes public data delivery
While we know the government's spying on our personal data, what's it doing with all of the public info it gathers? President Obama's answer to that question was creating Data.gov, a portal that publishes, among other things, public school funding amounts. Four years on, though, and the site looks and navigates like a product of its time. The modern redesign that launched today as a preview is part of this May's Open Data Executive Order that hopes to graft non-proprietary and machine-readable data formats "into the Federal Government's DNA." The homepage combines published research from a range of headings -- education, energy, finance, global development, health, research and safety -- and the tweets of public servants about said data, into one river of news. It's cool to see the government taking charge and making all this easier to access, but we're wondering how much it'll cost us next April.
Filed under: Internet
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Via: The Verge
Source: Whitehouse, Data.gov
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Vidzone music video streaming app comes to PlayStation 3 users in the US
Music Unlimited has long been Sony's preferred musical portal on the PlayStation 3, but for those who enjoy video to accompany their music, there's a new option available to folks in the US: Vidzone. It's an ad-supported music video streaming service -- not unlike the Vevo app Xbox 360 users enjoy -- that's been available to PS3 owners in Europe for years. Now, their US counterparts can enjoy the 55,000 videos in its library and can view them via genre-based channels or build their own custom playlists. Should you prefer content that's a little less produced, the service also delivers artist interviews and plenty of live events, too. And, whenever you find a new favorite video, you can share it on Facebook. Sound good? You can grab the app yourself from the PlayStation Store or install it directly from the XMB's TV/Video Services option.
Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, HD
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Source: PlayStation blog
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The Daily Roundup for 07.16.2013
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 handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
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Paramount picks DTS-HD codec to deliver surround sound for UltraViolet common file format digital movies
Early this year, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros. movie studios chose Dolby Digital Plus as their preferred means to deliver surround sound for their UltraViolet common file format (CFF) downloads. Paramount Pictures, however, has decided to go with Dolby's competitor, DTS, announcing today that the DTS-HD codec will be used in its UltraViolet CCF offerings. Like Dolby, the DTS codec delivers up to 7.1 channels of surround sound for Paramount's UV catalog -- though your cloud-based audio/visual bliss will have to wait, UltraViolet CFF isn't slated for release until sometime in the latter half of 2013.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD
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Via: The Verge
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Google Street View brings you 1,000 feet up the Eiffel Tower, no tickets required
Once you're done couch-surfing that spectacular Google Street View of the Burj Khalifa, you can now head on over a few thousand miles with a click of the mouse to the Eiffel Tower, where the views are no less impressive. The fine folks over at Mountain View used a special Street View Trolley to capture marvelous 360-degree shots from every floor of the historical monument as part of a collaboration with the Eiffel Tower Operating Company. Google's Cultural Institute then collated all those images and presented them in three online exhibits along with historical documents that tell the story of the landmark's birth and cultural impact. You can head over to the Cultural Institute link below to get a slice of Parisian history, or just take a peek after the break to see a video of how those panoramic shots were taken. Unfortunately, you'll have to supply your own croissants.
Filed under: Google
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Source: Google Cultural Institute, Google Blog, Google Street View
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Verizon to host event on July 23rd, likely involves new Droid devices
Verizon is sending out invites to the press regarding a mystery event next week. While the invite doesn't reveal which products are set to be announced, we have a pretty solid indication of what to expect: we're told that the event will involve "the next generation of one of [its] most popular family of devices." Given that the Droid is Big Red's most popular device lineup -- not to mention the fact that the rumor mill indicates a series of new Motorola-made Droids are on the way in the near future -- it's quite likely we can expect to see two or three devices decked out with Verizon's favorite brand.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, Google, Verizon
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Twitter for BlackBerry 10 updated: revamped UI, multiple account access and more
Suffice it to say, the BB10 crowd hasn't exactly been pleased with the current Twitter app on the platform -- a quick look at the BlackBerry World reviews pretty much sums up the frustration. Now, hoping to alleviate some of those troubles, Twitter's releasing version 10.2 of its application, which brings a hefty amount of improvements to folks with a Z10 or Q10. The app now displays a redesigned UI that makes it easier to browse, as well as other new features including access to DMs and multiple accounts, the ability to save photos being shared, an overhauled Discover tab and more enhancements to search. We have a feeling BlackBerry 10 users will certainly appreciate today's beefy update, so do let us know in the comments below if you're enjoying it thus far.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Blackberry
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Source: BlackBerry World
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Google offers instant access to its new Maps preview (video)
There's a new Google Maps on the way, and you can check it out today. The search giant just simplified the process for getting access -- instead of signing up
and waiting for an email invitation, you can simply hit the source link
below and click through to explore the new interface. The redesigned
Maps includes a much more content-rich design, featuring neighborhood
attractions and a more polished interface. See for yourself in the demo
after the break.
Filed under: GPS, Internet, GoogleComments
Source: Google Maps
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Microsoft asks US Attorney General to intervene on security disclosures, denies assisting with NSA interceptions
Microsoft sits between a rock and a hard place when it comes to privacy -- it can't reveal more about FISA requests, but it's also accused of assisting with NSA eavesdropping. The company is trying to settle both matters today, starting with a call on the US Attorney General for help. Microsoft hasn't had a response to its June 19th request to publish aggregate security request data, and it wants the Attorney General to directly intervene by legalizing these disclosures. The government official hasn't publicly acknowledged the request so far, although we weren't expecting an immediate answer.
At the same time, Microsoft is expanding its denials of The Guardian's recent reporting that it facilitates large-scale NSA snooping. Along with insisting once more that it only offers specific information in response to legal requests, the firm claims that its supposedly eavesdrop-friendly actions were innocuous. Microsoft was only moving Skype nodes in-house rather than simplifying the NSA's access to audio and video chats, for example. It's doubtful that the public position will completely reassure doubters given the veils of secrecy surrounding the NSA and its collaborators, but the crew in Redmond at least has a full statement on record.
Filed under: Storage, Internet, Software, Microsoft
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Source: Microsoft on the Issues
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Google reportedly pitching streaming online TV service to multiple media companies
Streaming online television services appears to be the next big thing in the Valley -- at least, if you ask Google, Apple, Intel and other tech giants that are considering making a move in that direction. According to the Wall Street Journal, Google has approached several media companies about licensing TV channels for such a service, which involves offering cable TV-like channel packages over broadband. This wouldn't be the first time we've seen the folks at Mountain View putting feelers out, as the company opened up discussions with media companies two years ago. Nothing came of them, of course, but it's hard to say if the current conversations will meet the same fate -- a couple years is a long time in the industry, and things may be different enough to merit a more appealing offer on either side, especially given the rise of Netflix, Roku, Amazon Instant and others. A report from the New York Times indicates that these talks are still likely preliminary and not anywhere close to a deal, so we shouldn't anticipate watching new TV shows live on our Google TV anytime soon.
Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, HD, Google
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Source: Wall Street Journal
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The origin of 'OK, Glass,' as told by Google's Amanda Rosenberg
"OK, Glass." It's a phrase that's become synonymous with Google's trailblazing wearable tech, and with good reason. As the headset's hotword, it must be uttered by the user (with varying levels of self-consciousness) to activate Glass' menu. Amanda Rosenberg, the Product Marketing Manager for Project Glass, took to her Google+ page today to share both the phrase's history and a few scrapped ideas. During dinner with Mat Balez, the Glass Project Manager, Rosenberg learned that the product required a simple, culturally resonant term that would let Glass know that it was go-time. Accompanied by what we can only assume was a choir of angels singing, Rosenberg realized that "OK, Glass" would be both functional and subtle enough to not embarrass users in public. It's an interesting anecdote, which you can read in full at the source link, but we have to admit . . . we're kind of sad "Go go, Glass" was never given a chance.
Filed under: Wearables, Google
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Source: Amanda Rosenberg (Google+)
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Nikkei: NEC to halt smartphone business after Lenovo deal falls through
Barely a month after NEC introduced the Terrain (seen above), its first phone in the US in eight years, it looks like the company is about to give up its smartphone business for good. According to Japan's Nikkei, NEC has been trying to sell its loss-leading mobile division to Lenovo since late last year, especially since the two already have an existing PC partnership. However, it looks like that deal has fallen through and the sale is no longer in the cards. The Nikkei reports that NEC hopes to focus on just its feature phone lineup for now, and to sell off a few mobile-related patents in the process.
Filed under: Mobile
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Source: Reuters
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Yahoo announces Q2 2013 earnings: $1.13b revenue, $137 million income
The closing bell has rung, and Yahoo has released its earnings for the second quarter of 2013. What's the final verdict? Compared year-to-year over the same quarter last year, it's mostly good news for the company: GAAP income is at $137 million (up 150 percent), while GAAP revenue comes in at $1.13 billion (down seven percent). GAAP net earnings came in at $331 million, which is a 46 percent increase from this time last year, while non-GAAP came out at $386 million, a six percent jump. Not bad, given the number of acquisitions the company made this quarter -- nine, to be precise, including Tumblr.
In terms of other highlights from the earnings report, search revenue fell by nine percent year-over-year, while display revenue went down 12 percent. Net earnings per share jumped up 68 percent to $0.30. Full press release is below the break for your perusal.
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Electronic Frontier Foundation sues NSA, calls surveillance programs unconstitutional
Earlier today, the Electronic Frontier Foundation sued the Obama administration over concerns surrounding the NSA's extensive surveillance programs, just weeks after the ACLU did the same. Filed on behalf of human rights, religious and environmental activist groups, the suit argues that the federal government's so-called Associational Tracking Program is inherently unconstitutional because it threatens stipulations found in the Bill of Rights, like freedom of speech and the right to assembly. The list of plaintiffs is extensive, and the suit has united groups with varying mission statements, like Human Rights Watch, Greenpeace and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. To read the complaint in full, head on over to the source link below.
Filed under: Misc, Internet
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Via: Bloomberg
Source: Electronic Frontier Foundation
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