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Will Surface tablets use Microsoft's new MagSafe-like power and data connector? Jun 19th 2012, 08:02 Microsoft has borrowed a couple of Apple-flavored notions for the launch of its new Surface tablets. For a start, it's avoided mentioning certain tech specs -- like the amount of RAM -- and now one of our readers has noticed something else: the strange-looking power port on the new devices looks very much like the magnetic, MagSafe-style connector Microsoft sent to the US Patent Office last week. We could be wrong, but the two do seem nearly identical, in which case Surface owners -- just like new Apple buyers -- may also have to put up with the clutter of more proprietary cables. [Thanks, Ryan] Will Surface tablets use Microsoft's new MagSafe-like power and data connector? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 04:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments Less banhammer, more gaming fun down under as Australia OKs R18+ game rating Jun 19th 2012, 07:47 Looks like folks from the land down under will be able to enjoy more of those upcoming titles featured recently at E3 2012. Australian gamers can now yell a collective "Get over here!" at more mature video gaming fare after the country's Parliament passed a new law to create an "adults-only" R18+ rating. The new classification puts video games on equal footing with films and other media that already allow mature content to be accessible in Australia via a similar rating. Prior to the creation of the new category, games deemed too mature for an MA15+ rating -- previously the strongest video game classification in Australia -- either had to be reclassified or banned from sale. One high-profile casualty that received a fatality from the old ratings system, for example, was the Mortal Kombat reboot. Lawmakers, however, agreed to pass the new rating law following years of consultation and strong public support for the change. One can only hope the legal tussle occurring in Australia between Apple and Samsung would reach an equally satisfactory resolution. [Image Credit: Associated Press] Less banhammer, more gaming fun down under as Australia OKs R18+ game rating originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 03:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink   |  Game Informer  | Email this | Comments Air Canada embarks on its first biofuel-powered flight from Toronto to Mexico City Jun 19th 2012, 07:11 Not looking to be left out of the biofuel party, Air Canada is the latest to try out the eco-friendly alternative for its jet engines. An Airbus A319 will make the outfit's pseudo-sustainable flight from Toronto to Mexico City powered by a 50 / 50 mixture of the aforementioned material and regular ol' jet fuel. This particular blend is derived from recycled cooking oil and meets all standards to avoid any modifications to the aircraft's existing systems -- while still offering a 40 percent cut in emissions. In addition to green-powered trips, the airline is implementing several other measures to improve its impact on Mother Nature, including the use of iPads over paper documents for pilots. Here's to hoping that the company will be fueling it's own 787s with the blend in the near future. [Thanks, Renaud] [Photo credit: Air Canada] Continue reading Air Canada embarks on its first biofuel-powered flight from Toronto to Mexico City Air Canada embarks on its first biofuel-powered flight from Toronto to Mexico City originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 03:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink   |  Air Canada  | Email this | Comments iBuyPower rides new Valkyrie line of gaming laptops Jun 19th 2012, 06:25 Not content with the unveiling of its Chimera 4 and Erebus GT desktops, iBuyPower is turning its attention to gamers of a more mobile persuasion with the launch of its new Valkyrie line of gaming laptops. For $1,299, the base Valkyrie CZ-17 features a third-generation Intel Core i7-3610QM CPU, 8GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670M GPU, 500GB 5,400 RPM hard drive, LAN E2200 module, backlit keyboard and a 17.3-inch, 1080p display. Folks who want to channel their inner Rich Uncle Pennybags can also configure the Valkyrie with more options such as an i7-3820QM processor, up to 32GB of RAM, dual HDD/SSD storage and a Blu-Ray drive. iBuyPower says the Valkyrie line is part of efforts to beef up its laptop offerings in order to compete with the likes of Dell/Alienware and ASUS. In the meantime, folks who've got Elmer Fudd's rendition of "Kill the Wabbit" stuck in their heads after reading the word "Valkyrie" can clear their minds by perusing the PR after the break. Continue reading iBuyPower rides new Valkyrie line of gaming laptops iBuyPower rides new Valkyrie line of gaming laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 02:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink   |  iBuyPower  | Email this | Comments

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