Andys Roms

Google gets EU approval for its purchase of Motorola Mobility

Engadget — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:39:00 +0000

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.

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

Engadget — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0000

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.

Gallery: Prada phone by LG 3.0 review

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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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iCade 8-Bitty controller adds retro charm to your iPad gaming

Tech Digest — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:43:00 +0000

Touch screens are all well and good, but when it comes to the growing catalogue of retro games available on iOS devices, you really need something you can button-bash away with in your hands. ThinkGeek have just the thing,...

The Engadget Show returns with DJ Spooky and Google, Saturday February 18th!

Engadget — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:41:00 +0000

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!

Subscribe to the Show:

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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

Engadget — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:21:00 +0000

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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Shippin’ Out Feb 12-18: Twisted Metal, PS Vita games

GameSpot — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:07:14 +0000

New release slate led by vehicular combat game, early PS Vita hardware and games; UFC Undisputed 3, Grand Slam Tennis 2, Tekken 3DS, and Alan Wake for PC also out.

With Valentine's Day on Tuesday, love is in the air and new games are on store shelves, including Twisted Metal, UFC Undisputed 3, Grand Slam Tennis 2, and a host of PlayStation Vita titles.

The Twisted Metal franchise comes back to life this Tuesday.

Leading the way this week is PlayStation 3-exclusive vehicular combat game Twisted Metal. The first installment in the series since 2008's Twisted Metal: Head-On - Extra Twisted Edition for the PlayStation 2, Twisted Metal is being developed by many of the series' original designers at Eat Sleep Play. Besides a campaign mode, the game will sport two-player split-screen action, as well as online battles.

This week also hosts new hardware in the form of the PlayStation Vita First Edition, which arrives on Wednesday. The PS Vita First Edition bundle will be available in the US and Canada on February 15 for those who had preordered it. Priced at $349 and $299, respectively, the US package includes a 3G version of the system, while the Canadian edition will be Wi-Fi only. These prices represent a $50 premium over a stand-alone system.

Aside from the variance in connectivity options, the contents of the bundles are identical across regions. The package will include a PS Vita system, a copy of Bigbig Studios' Little Deviants, a 4GB PS Vita Memory Card, and a limited edition case.

Gamers looking to stock up on Vita games can grab a host of new titles before the system's launch in full on February 22. New PS Vita titles out this week include Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Wipeout 2048, BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend, Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational, Little Deviants, Lumines: Electronic Symphony, ModNation Racers: Road Trip, Rayman Origins, and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Gamers can start stocking up on Vita games this week.

The PS Vita isn't the only portable system to get a high-profile new release this week, as the 3DS welcomes Tekken 3D Prime Edition on Tuesday. The first Tekken game for a Nintendo portable since 2002's Tekken Advance, Tekken 3D Prime Edition features a roster of more than 40 fighters, from series mainstays Heihachi and Kazuya to recently introduced characters like Lili and Alisa. Namco Bandai is also promising wireless multiplayer action at 60 frames per second and 3DS Street Pass support that will have players trading collectible Tekken cards with others while the system is asleep.

Also out this week is mixed martial arts title UFC Undisputed 3, from THQ. The game is due for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and sports a number of changes to UFC's classic striking and grappling systems, an alternate, simplified control scheme, and in-match tutorials.

Fans who enjoy sports titles but prefer racquets to fists can pick up Grand Slam Tennis 2 this week for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The game features all four of the sport's biggest championships: the French Open, the Australian Open, the U.S. Open, and Wimbledon, which will be exclusive to EA Sports' game. Grand Slam Tennis 2 also features more than 20 past and present pros, including Bjorn Borg and Serena and Venus Williams.

Lastly, PC gamers finally get their mitts on Alan Wake this week. Due out on Thursday, Alan Wake is a third-person oriented action game that has players battling supernatural forces in the town of Bright Falls. The game originally released for the Xbox 360 in 2010.

For further details, visit GameSpot's New Releases page. The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later this week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13:
Rhythm Heaven Fever--Wii--Nintendo
Warp--PC, PS3--Electronic Arts
Zumba Fitness Rush--X360--Majesco

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14:
B-Units: Build It!--Wii, DS--505 Games
BlazBlue Contiuum Shift Extend--Vita, X360, PS3--Aksys Games
Crusader Kings II--PC--Paradox Interactive
F1 2011--Vita--Codemasters
FIFA Soccer--Vita--Electronic Arts
Grand Slam Tennis 2--X360, PS3--Electronic Arts
Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom--PSP--Aksys Games
Lumines: Electronic Symphony--Vita--Ubisoft
Mario & Sonic at the 2012 London Summer Games--3DS, Wii--Sega
Michael Jackson The Experience HD--Vita--Ubisoft
Rayman Origins--Vita--Ubisoft
The Sims 3 Hidden Springs--PC, Mac--Electronic Arts
Tales of the Abyss--3DS--Namco Bandai Games
Twisted Metal--PS3--SCEA
UFC Undisputed 3--X360, PS3--THQ
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition--Vita--Sega

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15:
Ben 10: Galactic Racing--Vita--D3Publisher
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational--Vita--SCEA
Little Deviants--Vita--SCEA
Modnation Racers: Road Trip--Vita--SCEA
Pinball FX2: Epic Quest--X360--Zen Studios
Reality Fighters--Vita--SCEA
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3--Vita--SCEA
Uncharted: Golden Abyss--Vita--SCEA
Warp--X360--Electronic Arts
Wipeout 2048--Vita--SCEA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16:
Alan Wake--PC--Remedy Entertainment

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"Shippin' Out Feb 12-18: Twisted Metal, PS Vita games" was posted by Eddie Makuch on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:07:14 -0800

Inhabitat’s Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates

Engadget — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:02:00 +0000

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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Dear Esther Review

GameSpot — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Dear Esther spins an intriguing narrative, leaving you to decipher not only the outcome, but if this is even a game.

Score: /

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"Dear Esther Review" was posted by Maxwell McGee on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 -0800