Boxee, Comcast agree to a workaround for encrypted basic cable channels on third party boxes

Boxee usually doesn't get along with the existing media / pay-TV conglomerates, but now it's telling the FCC it has come to an agreement with Comcast. The solution agreed to lets live TV-friendly Boxee access encrypted basic cable channels thanks to a DLNA-controlled high definition digital transport adapter that would connect to the box via Ethernet, with an eye towards no longer requiring an adapter at all down the road. Multichannel Newsquotes Boxee CEO Avner Ronen as saying it was "good to work with Comcast" on a deal that gives third parties like his company continued access to basic cable.

Engadget , Boxee, Comcast agree to a workaround for encrypted basic cable channels on third party boxes

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aboutit, Boxee, Comcast agree to a workaround for encrypted basic cable channels on third party boxes

Opel Adam caught undisguised at a photo shoot

The new and not-yet-revealed Opel Adam was taken to a Spanish technology park for a photo shoot, and there it was caught by an unofficial photo crew sent by our sister site Autoblog Spain. It was described as looking like a cross between an Opel Corsa and an Audi A1 in the metal. There appears to be some French inspiration as well, especially the front end. Unless the light deceives, in-house cribbing comes in the Insignia-like swage line along the door, and we do hope that those wheels are offered on the production version.
A reminder, the Adam is six inches longer than the Volkswagen Up! but still shorter than the Opel Agila.

Autoblog , Opel Adam caught undisguised at a photo shoot, Opel Adam caught undisguised at a photo shoot

Gear4 speaker dock supports USB audio for Jelly Bean at Google I/O 2012 (hands-on video)

Another day, another speaker dock. We initially dismissed Gear4's latest accessory at Google I/O 2012 until we noticed that the attached Nexus 7 was playing audio via the USB port instead of the headphone jack (or wirelessly over Bluetooth for that matter). It turns out that Jelly Bean supports USB audio, a feature that's bound to spearhead a whole new generation of accessories for Android devices. Gear4's universal speaker dock with alarm clock radio is the first to handle USB audio. While the sound for any app can be routed to the USB port in Jelly Bean, the functionality is missing from older versions of Android.






Engadget , Gear4 speaker dock supports USB audio for Jelly Bean at Google I/O 2012 (hands-on video), Gear4 speaker dock supports USB audio for Jelly Bean at Google I/O 2012 (hands-on video)

Apple's iPhone now available from Virgin Mobile

. The world's most popular smartphone is now available as a prepaid handset on Virgin Mobile. The 8GB iPhone 4 is being offered for $549, while the newer 16GB Phone 4S costs $649 with no contract. Both handsets are eligible for Virgin Mobile's unlimited data and messaging plans that start as low as $35 per month. Apple's smartphone is available through Virgin Mobile's website, RadioShack, Best Buy and select local retailers. Regional carrier Cricket, owned by Leap Wireless, was the first carrier to offer a prepaid iPhone in the United States.

Boy Genius Report , Apple's iPhone now available from Virgin Mobile, Apple's iPhone now available from Virgin Mobile

Just Mobile Launches a Pocket-Sized Backup Battery

Just Mobile has added a new product to their line of backup batteries.  The new Just Mobile Gum is small enough to carry in your pocket at 2.9 X 1.36 X 0.9 inches, but it packs 2200mAh charging capacity.  It's Apple-certified for iPhone and iPod and comes with a 30-pin charging cable, but it also comes with a USB-to-microUSB cable for charging other devices.  It has a high-grade aluminum shell in silver, black, or red.  It comes with a travel bag, and it's available for $49.95 in the US, 49.95€ in Europe, £39.95 in the UK. Related Posts:.

The Gadgeteer , Just Mobile Launches a Pocket-Sized Backup Battery, Just Mobile Launches a Pocket-Sized Backup Battery

Nissan cranking up Canton output to accommodate 2013 Sentra (video)

Nissan has announced that it will build the 2013 Sentra at its Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant in Canton, Mississippi. The Japanese automaker had already committed to moving both its Frontier and Xterra SUVs to Mississippi from Nissan's plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. The manufacturer says it will hire 1,000 workers to keep pace with the three new models in the Canton plant, pushing the facility's total workforce to 4,500. The location also builds the 2013 Altima, Armada, Titan and NV commercial trucks.



Autoblog , Nissan cranking up Canton output to accommodate 2013 Sentra (video)

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technologypulse, Nissan cranking up Canton output to accommodate 2013 Sentra (video)

Softbank announces a new Wireless TV Tuner with USB Recording for iPhone

Softbank Japan's third mobile operator and the company that brought the all mighty iPhone to Japanese people, is now offering a nice piece of hardware with the SB-TV03-WFRC. Announced at 19,800 and designed by Pixela, the SB-TV03-WFRC is a unique Digital TV Tuner function, Ethernet, WiFi and SI-EPG that is not only capable to record TV on an external drive or the SB-HD01-ORST/WH a 500GB external HDD designed for this TV tuner, but also capable to stream TV Shows and Recorded media to your iPhone regardless or where you are in either 3G/4G or WiFi.

Akihabara News , Softbank announces a new Wireless TV Tuner with USB Recording for iPhone, Softbank announces a new Wireless TV Tuner with USB Recording for iPhone

Microsoft to bring Windows 8 Marketplace in 180 countries

The Microsoft Windows Marketplace was so far only available in 63 countries, and only 38 of those were allowed to submit apps. But now, Microsoft is planning on expanding that list considerably and has announced to bring the new Windows 8 Marketplace to over 180 countries at launch. Now not only can users from each of those countries browser through and purchase apps but they can also submit apps to the Marketplace. Microsoft is also adding the option to make in-app purchases, providing developers with another way to make money through their apps.

GSM Arena , Microsoft to bring Windows 8 Marketplace in 180 countries, Microsoft to bring Windows 8 Marketplace in 180 countries

Hulu Japan lands HBO content, but don't expect any changes in the US

Hulu Japan has mailed in a status update noting that its content library has increased by more than 300 percent since launching last fall, now amounting to over 800 films and around 6,900 TV shows. Newly added to that list is Mad Men and more notably, "select HBO shows" including Entourage and Sex And The City today, followed by Entourage and Band of Brothers later this year.

Engadget , Hulu Japan lands HBO content, but don't expect any changes in the US, Hulu Japan lands HBO content, but don't expect any changes in the US

Google Nexus Q hacked to load video games

. Google unveiled the Nexus Q streaming device at its annual Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco on Wednesday. For a media device, the Nexus Q has surprisingly good specs, featuring a dual-core TI OMAP 4460 CPU, the same chip found inside the Galaxy Nexus. The Q is also equipped with a Power VR SGX540 GPU, 1GB of RAM and Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Less than 12 hours after the Nexus Q was announced, Philippe Hausler, an Android app developer, managed to get the Android game Swords and Soldiers to load on the device.

Boy Genius Report , Google Nexus Q hacked to load video games, Google Nexus Q hacked to load video games

China to launch Netflix-like video streaming service this year

According to Reuters, the government-operated China Movie Channel will soon launch an online video service similar to Netflix in the mainland sometime this year. The move will reportedly bring huge streams of revenue to Hollywood since the yet-to-be-named service will stream films and TV shows from the motion-picture industry for the majority of subscribers in China. Investors allegedly told Reuters that China's new video service has already signed a content agreement with Viacom's Paramount Pictures.

Ubergizmo , China to launch Netflix-like video streaming service this year

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aboutit, China to launch Netflix-like video streaming service this year

Vinci Tab II M

Tablets have become the primary device that both kids and adults like to use nowadays. Although smartphones are still more popular, there are just some things that people like to do on tablets that smartphones can't. And when one is looking for a tablet that is ideal for both adults and kids to use, the new Vinci Tab II M tablet may be a likely candidate. The Vinci Tab II M is a lighter and smaller version of the initial Vinci Tab II tablet. This 5-inch tablet version is now easier for kids to handle.

Gadget.com , Vinci Tab II M, Vinci Tab II M

SwiftKey 3 is now the top paid app on Google Play

Remember SwiftKey 3 that was first released in beta in April this year. Well, it turns out that the app is destined to dominate the app kingdom of Android. Following last week's announcement of SwiftKey 3′s discounted price of only $1.99 from the usual $3.99 price mark, the company is announcing that its app is now the top best-selling paid app on the Google Play Store. But SwiftKey's Chief Marketing Officer Joe Braidwood said that they are not resting on their laurels just yet.

Ubergizmo , SwiftKey 3 is now the top paid app on Google Play, SwiftKey 3 is now the top paid app on Google Play

39 seconds of Viper GTS-R testing at VIR. That is all.

The Viper GTS-R continues its march to a motorsports debut later this year in the GT class of the American Le Mans Series. Following its surprise debut alongside the new production SRT Viper at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the GTS-R underwent its first on-track test at Carolina Motorsports Park earlier this month. This time, however, the SRT crew took the GTS-R to Virginia International Raceway, an important track because it's actually on the ALMS schedule. In fact, while we don't know the exact race at which the GTS-R will makes its competitive debut, we have been told it will race before the end of the 2012 season.



Autoblog , 39 seconds of Viper GTS-R testing at VIR. That is all., 39 seconds of Viper GTS-R testing at VIR. That is all.

Canon 7D 2.0.X firmware update scheduled for August, brings plenty of free fixins

It's hard to believe, but the last the last time we covered a major firmware update for Canon's 7D DLSR the iPhone 4 was still fresh in our minds. Now, nearly two years later, Canon is offering up a bevy of new features for the camera with its soon to be released - and free - 2.0.X update. To start, folks who shoot RAW will be pleased to know that they can shoot up to 25 continuous frames (17 in RAW + JPEG) in burst mode - that's up from just 15 previously. You'll also be able to edit images captured in the format straight from the camera, as well as set a maximum limit of 6400 (up from 3200) for its Auto ISO mode.

Engadget , Canon 7D 2.0.X firmware update scheduled for August, brings plenty of free fixins, Canon 7D 2.0.X firmware update scheduled for August, brings plenty of free fixins

Google Nexus 7 Tablet Revealed

Google's keynote presentation during the annual I/O conference confirmed what has been reported all along: the company is taking a plunge in developing hardware beyond smartphones. Leading this new line of Google-branded devices is the Nexus 7, the 7-inch slab that runs on Android 4.1 (also known as Jelly Bean). The spec list is almost an exact copy of previously leaked report: an IPS screen with 1280 x 800 resolution, 1.3GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, a micro-USB port, 1GB of RAM, 1.2-megapixel front camera, a gyroscope, GPS, accelerometer, microphone, and WiFi.

Gadget.com , Google Nexus 7 Tablet Revealed, Google Nexus 7 Tablet Revealed

JVC GC-XA1 ADIXXION camcorder sports a tough image

If you are one who is always on the go and love getting involved in extremely rough and tumble adventures, and yet want to record the whole shebang without relying on something as fragile as Google Glass, then you might want to check out the latest action camera from JVC, namely the GC-XA1 ADIXXION camcorder. The JVC GC-XA1 ADIXXION puts its competition to the sword by offering a wide range of features and capabilities which would definitely be worth checking out if you live an active lifestyle.

Ubergizmo , JVC GC-XA1 ADIXXION camcorder sports a tough image, JVC GC-XA1 ADIXXION camcorder sports a tough image

New Chrome release squashes more bugs

With each new release of a particular software or game, you can be sure that the efficiency ratio goes nowhere but up – most of the time, anyways. Of course, there are moments when companies actually fail to achieve what they originally set out to do, but Google does seem to have the formula down pat with the latest Chrome release that is in line with their timetable of a roll out once every six weeks. If you have set your browser's updating properties to automatic, then chances are you are already enjoying the benefit of over a hundred bug fixes with the latest release.

Ubergizmo , New Chrome release squashes more bugs, New Chrome release squashes more bugs

Driving on the edge with Subaru at the Isle of Man

Learning The Delicate Balance Between Living Life And Cheating Death. "Don't lose the taillamps in front of you.". Those were the only words on my mind as our rolling convoy plowed its way over hill and dale on the Isle of Man, up Snaefell Mountain and back down again.










Autoblog , Driving on the edge with Subaru at the Isle of Man, Driving on the edge with Subaru at the Isle of Man

Visualized: Kinetisphere takes Nexus Q into another dimension at Google I/O 2012 (video)

What you see here is arguably be the coolest thing on display at Google I/O 2012 - an 8-foot, 300-pound Nexus Q replica (complete with LED ring visualizer) mounted on a robot arm. This interactive installation called Kinetisphere was designed and fabricated by San Francisco-based Bot & Dolly and is controlled by three stations each consisting of - wait for it - a Nexus Q device and a Nexus 7 tablet. How meta is that. One station controls the height of the sphere, another its angle, and a third lets you pick the pattern displayed on the LED ring. Of course, it's all carefully synchronized to music for maximum effect.






Engadget , Visualized: Kinetisphere takes Nexus Q into another dimension at Google I/O 2012 (video), Visualized: Kinetisphere takes Nexus Q into another dimension at Google I/O 2012 (video)

Enjoy 3D Photos and Video with your iPhone thanks to Sanwa's new 3D Director Viewer Goggles

Made by 3D Director and sold in Japan by Sanwa, these Googles will house your iphone and provide you with the perfect tool to enjoy YouTube 3D Videos.

Akihabara News , Enjoy 3D Photos and Video with your iPhone thanks to Sanwa's new 3D Director Viewer Goggles, Enjoy 3D Photos and Video with your iPhone thanks to Sanwa's new 3D Director Viewer Goggles

Google Maps offline for Android is available today in version 6.9, also Compass Mode for Street View

Google showed off offline Google Maps at its event earlier this month, and now during I/O it's ready to turn the feature on. We've got a couple of video trailers for offline Google Maps here (embedded after the break), users with Android 2.2 devices and above should keep an eye on Google Play for the new version of the app.

2DayBlog.com , Google Maps offline for Android is available today in version 6.9, also Compass Mode for Street View, Google Maps offline for Android is available today in version 6.9, also Compass Mode for Street View

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean ROM leaked for the Galaxy Nexus

It's just been over twelve hours since Google announced Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and a signed copy of the OS has already been leaked online for the Galaxy Nexus. The leaked ROM is for 'takju', that is, the GSM Galaxy Nexus variant that has Google Wallet support but also runs fine on 'yakju', that is the standard variant of the GSM Galaxy Nexus, without any issues. If you have either of these devices, click on the source link below and download the ROM. As usual, make sure you know what you're doing.

GSM Arena , Android 4.1 Jelly Bean ROM leaked for the Galaxy Nexus, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean ROM leaked for the Galaxy Nexus

Facebook's Find Friends Nearby feature falls off the map, leaves buddy locating to other social apps

We're happy to chat up our Facebook friends on the web, but empowering them to track us down in person makes that virtual social experience feels a bit too real. Perhaps that was the reasoning behind the mysterious disappearance of the company's new Find Friends Nearby feature, which bit the dust yesterday just as quickly as it first appeared. During its hours-long tenure, the new tracking tab didn't give precise friend location information, but did provide a list of buddies in an undisclosed vicinity, making it possible for some not-so-top-tier contacts to realize that you're still in Tulsa, and didn't actually make that move to Timbuktu.

2DayBlog.com , Facebook's Find Friends Nearby feature falls off the map, leaves buddy locating to other social apps, Facebook's Find Friends Nearby feature falls off the map, leaves buddy locating to other social apps

VESA's Mobility DisplayPort standard links smartphones to PC displays, jabs MHL

If you own a modern Android smartphone, there's a reasonable chance you're familiar with MHL for video out to a TV. The format saves the trouble of adding an extra port, but it's really only intended for HDMI-based destinations and occasionally runs into compatibility issues. VESA is hoping to settle all that with its newly available Mobility DisplayPort standard, or MyDP. Existing micro-USB ports will still serve as the output, but you'll have the option of plugging into DVI or VGA displays with the right adapter, in addition to HDMI and full-size DisplayPort.

Engadget , VESA's Mobility DisplayPort standard links smartphones to PC displays, jabs MHL, VESA's Mobility DisplayPort standard links smartphones to PC displays, jabs MHL

Rip Cord lets you unbox devices in a snap

So you're very excited to unbox that gift your friend gave you. You are even hoping that it's a Samsung Galaxy S3, or perhaps the Nexus tablet that was just launched. However, the gift was tightly sealed with a packaging tape. “Nah, never mind breaking another fingernail, it will be all worth it,” you say to yourself as you skid your fingernail to the tape to break it loose. You open the box, and behold, it's a shaving kit!

In a move to solve the nasty unboxing issue, designers created Rip Cord, it's actually a spin-off of the classic packaging tape. Rip Cord has a small string running down the center of the tape.

Ubergizmo , Rip Cord lets you unbox devices in a snap

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itnet, Rip Cord lets you unbox devices in a snap

iOS users more loyal to apps than Android

. Good news has come to light for app developers: according to a recent study from Localytics, app retention rates are improving, increasing 19% over the last year. The analytics firm notes that iPhone and iPad app publishers are achieving the greatest success, with retention rates 52% higher than those on Android. The number of users who used an app just once dropped over 15% since the firm's last study, and those who used an app more than 10 times increased from 26% to 31%. The firm also found that the average Android app suffers from a higher one-time usage rate of 24%, compared to just 21% for iPhone and iPad apps.

Boy Genius Report , iOS users more loyal to apps than Android, iOS users more loyal to apps than Android

Android 4.1 SDK hands-on

Too lazy to download and install the brand new Android SDK yourself, don't feel like tweaking an AVD for optimal operation. Don't know what an AVD is. We don't blame you, and that's why we're here. We fired up Jelly Bean in the Android emulator and started poking around a bit. Sadly, most of the most exciting new features - offline speech recognition, Google Now - don't work. And we couldn't really delve deep into the new notifications system thanks to some limitations on the SDK. We could, however, play with the new version of Maps and demo the new widget placement tweaks. Most of the UI should look familiar.






Engadget , Android 4.1 SDK hands-on, Android 4.1 SDK hands-on