Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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Google gets EU approval for its purchase of Motorola Mobility
Feb 13th 2012, 17:39

Google gets EU approval for its purchase of Motorola Mobility
Google is one step closer to making it through the gauntlet of regulatory approval for its proposed acquisition of Motorola Mobility, as it now has the thumbs-up from the European Commission, according to Reuters. Commissioner Joaquin Almunia stated that the transaction was approved because it "does not itself raise competition issues." That's not to say it won't be watching Mountain View like a hawk to ensure it doesn't go overboard on patent disputes, however. And while this is an incredibly important step for Google, the software giant's not through with the regulatory process -- it still needs to be signed off by the US Justice Department (expected later this week), as well as governing bodies in China, Israel and Taiwan.

Developing...

Google gets EU approval for its purchase of Motorola Mobility originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prada phone by LG 3.0 review
Feb 13th 2012, 17:00

LG and Prada have a history of collaboration; their debut phone arrived around the same time as the first iPhone, sporting a black and white display, a petite footprint and a 2-megapixel camera. Next, the Prada II brandished a sliding QWERTY keyboard, a 5-megapixel camera and arrived at a time when WiFi functionality was a big enough deal to note on the press release. Four years on, the pair have rolled their sleeves and attempted to reclaim a place among the top devices, with classy aesthetics backed up by a strong hardware and attractively customized software. This is the team's first attempt at an Android device, and on paper it's got some respectable specifications, including a 4.3-inch NOVA Plus display, a dual-core processor and an 8-megapixel camera sensor that appears to be the same one found on LG's 2011 flagship models. Granted, LG probably wasn't ever planning to include its latest HD IPS screen on a phone where branding was dominated by the other partner, but this smartphone still wants to appeal beyond its good looks.

It's now appeared in Korea and Western Europe and we were fortunate enough borrow one from UK retailer Phones 4U for review. Are people willing to stump up the top-tier smartphone cash for a device with last year's specifications? Do people want a Prada phone? Might a fashionista be more likely to plump for an iPhone? Or is it too popular? And what about that monochrome skin? We'll talk it all out after the break.

Continue reading Prada phone by LG 3.0 review

Prada phone by LG 3.0 review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Engadget Show returns with DJ Spooky and Google, Saturday February 18th!
Feb 13th 2012, 16:41

Happy Valentine's week! What better way to show that we care than with an exciting new February edition of the Engadget Show? We're moving to bigger digs this time out, bringing the magic to the Times Center in midtown Manhattan. Hopefully it will be large enough to contain all of the show we've got planned for you. That Subliminal Kid, DJ Spooky will be popping by the studio to perform some iPad songs and discuss his post-modern approach to music making. We'll also swing by Google's Mountain View headquarters, visit a pinball museum in Asbury Park and play around at Toy Fair.

Best of all, if you're in New York City, you can be a part of the live show. We'll be letting you know how to get tickets soon so stay tuned!

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The Engadget Show returns with DJ Spooky and Google, Saturday February 18th! originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AT&T U-Verse iPad app combines DVR control and companion features
Feb 13th 2012, 16:21

It's been over a year since we saw AT&T first demo a U-verse connected tablet app with second screen companion features it called "ComplemenTV" and last week it officially launched for the iPad. AT&T U-verse for iPad can act as a remote control for any the company's DVRs in the home, as well as pull in extra info about the content that's playing. If you're away from home, it can still pull up guide data, program the DVR, or play a selection of VOD shows just like the U-verse's other mobile apps. what it doesn't have however, unlike many other pay-TV tablet apps out there, is live TV streaming of any kind. Of course, it is a free add-on, so check after the break for a quick video demo or hit iTunes to download it yourself.

Continue reading AT&T U-Verse iPad app combines DVR control and companion features

AT&T U-Verse iPad app combines DVR control and companion features originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates
Feb 13th 2012, 16:02

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.


The big news that had the world of green transportation buzzing this week was Tesla's unveil of its brand new Model X luxury car and we also saw the blazing fast Lightning GT EV hit the track for the first time. We also shined light on the futuristic solar-powered SPV car while Mitsubishi's i-MIEV electric car stole the greenest vehicle title from the Honda Civic and the Boulder EV became the first electric truck capable of hitting 70 mph. We were also excited to announce that San Francisco is set to launch its electric bike sharing program, French cyclists won the controversial right to run red traffic lights, and Volkswagen unveiled its Think Blue Beetle, which is made from 2,805 pieces of recycled trash.

Energy news sent shock waves around the world this week as Inhabitat reported that the US approved its first nuclear power plants in 30 years and the temperature of Japan's damaged Fukushima nuclear plant suddenly soared up to 45 degrees celsius. We also saw an energy-generating "Solar Tulip" power tower spring up in Spain, and a 10-year-old girl discovered a new molecule that stands to improve energy storage. Meanwhile, we brought you the scoop on the world's next tallest skyscraper in Azerbaijan and industrial giant AAB announced plans for a worldwide electric vehicle charging network.

In recycled design news, we saw a colossal statue made from 4,200 Coca Cola crates rise up over Cape Town and we shared a set of larger than life beasts made from recycled motorcycle parts. We also brought you a brilliant line of lamps made from recycled e-waste and a set of LEGO-like Earth Blocks made from coffee beans and tea chaff. Last but not least, we showcased an electronic suit that treats nerve disorders, and since Valentine's day is on the way we took a look at BIG's interactive LED heart sculpture in NYC, 6 adorable DIY cards, and 6 simple DIY V-Day gifts.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iFixit pries apart the Droid 4, strips slider to see its silicon insides
Feb 13th 2012, 15:49

Verizon's Droid 4 was officially released last week, so naturally, iFixit spent the weekend pulling the phone apart for all to see. Among the nuggets of knowledge uncovered during the teardown is the discovery that the fourth iteration breaks from Droid tradition in a couple of not-so-positive ways. First off, Moto decided to integrate the keyboard into the motherboard, meaning if one of your keys quits working, you'll have to replace the motherboard, too. Not only that, but the Droid 4's battery is purportedly no longer user-replaceable, though iFixit's deft disembodied hands were able to pry it loose with some effort. It's not all bad, as the teardown did confirm that the handset does, in fact, pack the promised 16GB of onboard storage. Don't take our word for it, though, there's a bevy of pics of the flayed phone for your perusal at the source link below, so hop on over for the full monty.

iFixit pries apart the Droid 4, strips slider to see its silicon insides originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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