World's first two-megajoule ultraviolet laser fired in California: no, you can't buy one

The Wolverines may have concocted the "most intense" laser in the universe back in '08, but it's a group of grinners at the National Ignition Facility in Livermore, California that can now lay claim to firing the planet's first two-megajoule ultraviolet laser. Earlier this week, a 1.875-megajoule shot was fired into the target chamber, but it broke the two-dot-oh barrier after passing through the final focusing lens.

Engadget, World's first two-megajoule ultraviolet laser fired in California: no, you can't buy one

Virgin Mobile USA's Data and Text Messaging Service Down Nationwide

If you're currently rockin' a device on Virgin Mobile here in the states, you may have noticed that your phone isn't able to send/receive text messages or access the internet. The MVNO announced today via their social networks that they are currently experiencing an outage and are “working to resolve it.” While not everyone seems to be affected, we just wanted to let you guys know before your misplaced anger causes you to throw your phone against the wall.

Android Phone, Virgin Mobile USA's Data and Text Messaging Service Down Nationwide

Report: New iPad Burns Hotter than Predecessor

While Apple is preparing itself to brag about the immense popularity of the new iPad, a Dutch tech blog made a startling discovery about the tablet. Using an infrared camera, Tweakers.net confirmed that the new iPad creates 10 degrees more heat than the iPad 2. The study suggested that the new iPad warms up to 33.6 degrees Celcius, compared to the 28.3 degrees centigrade of iPad 2.

Gadget.com, Report: New iPad Burns Hotter than Predecessor

Android 2.3.6 update rolling out to Motorola RAZR in Europe

A new software update is headed out to Motorola RAZR handsets in the UK, Italy, France and Spain. The update brings the RAZR to firmware version SPU15 and brings along a few new features as well as the standard bug fixes and performance improvements. Users can expect a new user interface in the settings menu as well as the option to auto upload photos from the RAZR to a connected PC. The bulk of the update is dedicated to introducing new Smart Actions, including a VIP Caller Mode that allows a user to set specific rules for handling individual contacts (such as allowing only certain contacts to ring the phone at night).

Android Phone, Android 2.3.6 update rolling out to Motorola RAZR in Europe

Mercedes-Benz to nix R-Class from U.S. lineup despite being built in Alabama

After years of lackluster sales, Mercedes-Benz is finally pulling the plug on the company's R-Class, at least as far as sales in the United States go. The vehicle will continue to be manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and exported to markets around the globe. According to Yahoo. Autos, the company has sold just 300 R-Class units nationwide through March of this year despite the fact that the German automaker is having no trouble moving any of its larger SUV models.

Autoblog, Mercedes-Benz to nix R-Class from U.S. lineup despite being built in Alabama

2013 Nissan Leaf update will add new heater, up to 25 miles of range in the cold

From what we know today, pretty much everything about the all-electric Nissan Leaf is getting bigger and/or better in 2012. From availability in Europe to 50-state availability and production in the States, it's clear Nissan is planning big things for its EV this year. Now, Nissan's Mark Perry has told the The Detroit News that the 2013 Leaf will get serious improvements when it launches later this year, including a better heater, a darker interior color choice and leather seats. The new Leaf will be made in Smyrna, TN.

Autoblog, 2013 Nissan Leaf update will add new heater, up to 25 miles of range in the cold

Samsung's Galaxy Note Mockup On Their Facebook Page Shows Vanilla Android 4.0

Now, we're not saying this is real per se, just more or less that it's interesting. Interesting in that — one, the Samsung Galaxy Note doesn't offer a stock Android 4.0 experience and — second, when it eventually receives its upgrade, it will be a TouchWiz'd out ICS like on Galaxy S II variants. So, why is Samsung USA's Facebook page showing a Galaxy Note with vanilla ICS. Well, I guess that would be the million dollar question. Or perhaps it's not a question at all.

Android Phone, Samsung's Galaxy Note Mockup On Their Facebook Page Shows Vanilla Android 4.0