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Motorola MOTOACTV software update allows for pairing with non-Moto devices Apr 2nd 2012, 20:29 Good news for fitness junkies who like to mix and match their gadget brands: MotoACTV's accompanying application will now work on pretty much all Android phones, and not just those that happen to be made by Motorola. The only catch so far as we can tell is that your handset must run Android 2.1 (Eclair) or later -- a near-certainty in 2012. Already rocking a Moto device? You might still want to take the time to install this update, as it brings several other new features, including the ability track fitness goals on your phone, as well as use your handset to configure WiFi networks for your MotoACTV. You can also plan workouts on your device of choice, access them on MotoACTV and then send your workout data back to the phone. So far, the Engadget staff can confirm the update works just fine on LG devices, so we're optimistic the latest software will play nice with the Samsungs, HTCs and Huaweis of the world. Hit up the source link below to get your download on and as always, let us know how it goes. Motorola MOTOACTV software update allows for pairing with non-Moto devices originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink Android Community  |  Google Play, Motorola  | Email this | Comments Microsoft kicks off Kinect Accelerator program to take 11 Kinect-centric start-ups to the next level Apr 2nd 2012, 19:57 Microsoft unwittingly created quite the hacking cottage industry when it first introduced Kinect. Though it took awhile for the company to come to grips with the amazing inventions enabled by its sensor bar, Redmond eventually released Kinect for Windows. Now, the Kinect Accelerator program is here to take Kinect development even further. Kinect Accelerator is a three-month long incubator of sorts for folks with Kinect-basted start-ups. It works by providing the chosen ones with mentors from Microsoft Research, Microsoft Studios, Kinect for Windows and the Xbox team to provide support and knowledge to refine and improve their Kinect apps. Additionally, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs will be available to give advice help the teams craft business plans to help them become profitable. We had the opportunity to chat with Craig Eisler -- who heads up the Kinect for Windows team and is heavily involved with Kinect Accelerator -- about this new venture. Eisler told us that Microsoft's been planning the program since last summer after witnessing all the Kinect innovations that have been percolating organically. So, the Accelerator gives Microsoft the opportunity to find some of the best ideas and speed up their development. Microsoft wound up receiving almost 500 applicants to the program, and winnowing it down to a final 11 was no easy task -- the final 50 ideas were apparently all quite good, and the initial plan was to only take ten into the program. The 11 who made the cut hail from across the globe (US, Canada, Argentina, France, and Germany), and will receive $20,000 and office space, plus Kinect hardware and development software to get their ideas off the ground. Unfortunately, we couldn't get Eisler to tell us exactly what each team is working on, but he did say they'll benefit the medical, retail, fashion, and even farm industries when all is said and done. Specifics about the inventions will come later, once the mentors have worked their magic and the apps are closer to their final forms, so stay tuned. You can learn more about the Kinect Accelerator and the chosen teams at the source link below and PR after the break. Continue reading Microsoft kicks off Kinect Accelerator program to take 11 Kinect-centric start-ups to the next level Microsoft kicks off Kinect Accelerator program to take 11 Kinect-centric start-ups to the next level originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments Terrafugia Transition production prototype completes first flight, set to land at NY Auto Show this Friday Apr 2nd 2012, 19:38 Terrafugia's Transition could finally be making its way to the production line. The "flying car" has journeyed far beyond the concept phase, achieving its compulsory nod from the DOT last summer, and now reaching production prototype status. On March 23rd, the latest Transition flew past one more hurdle, completing its first airborne trial. The hybrid vehicle rolled down the runway at Plattsburgh International Airport in New York before ascending to 1400 feet -- the entire flight lasted a mere eight minutes, and marks the first of six planned phases of flight testing during the aircraft's voyage past experimental stage. There's still no word on when the Light Sport Aircraft will be making its way to soon-to-be Transition owners, but those hankering for a preview can catch a glimpse of the craft at the New York Auto Show from April 6th through the 15th. You can also taxi past the break for a tail-level view of the test plane's trek to takeoff. Continue reading Terrafugia Transition production prototype completes first flight, set to land at NY Auto Show this Friday Terrafugia Transition production prototype completes first flight, set to land at NY Auto Show this Friday originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink CNET  |  Terrafugia  | Email this | Comments Microsoft announces special edition Chrome Series Xbox 360 controllers Apr 2nd 2012, 19:06 There's no console to match, but Xbox 360 owners who prefer things a little shinier than your run-of-the-mill controller will soon have a trio of new options to consider courtesy of Microsoft. It's just announced three new Chrome Series special edition controllers that will be available in "mid-May" for $54.99 apiece. Those come in your choice of blue, red or silver, and each feature the so-called "transforming" D-pad along with everything else you'd expect from a wireless Xbox 360 controller. Check out the gallery below for a closer look. Gallery: Xbox 360 Chrome Series controllers Microsoft announces special edition Chrome Series Xbox 360 controllers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink   |  Major Nelson  | Email this | Comments

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