CIA dragonfly drone almost beat modern UAVs by 40 years, was swatted (video)

CIA dragonfly drone almost beat modern UAVs by 40 years, was swatted (video):

US intelligence agencies were just as obsessed with drone spying 40 years ago as they are nowadays -- only then, it was pipe-smoking entomologists and watchmakers who were in charge of building prototypes. Back in the '70s, the CIA needed some kind of miniature flyer to deliver an audio bug, and after considering (and rejecting) a faux bumblebee, decided that a robotic dragonfly would be the best option. The wee UAV used a "miniature fluidic oscillator" as a motor and was propelled by a small amount of gas. It was somehow guided by a laser beam, which served double-duty as the "datalink for the audio sensor payload," according to the CIA Museum. Unfortunately, the insect-based mech proved too difficult to control, especially with any degree of wind, and was eventually scuppered -- all that's left of the now-declassified project is in the video after the break.
Continue reading CIA dragonfly drone almost beat modern UAVs by 40 years, was swatted (video)
Filed under: Robots, Science

CIA dragonfly drone almost beat modern UAVs by 40 years, was swatted (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Build a XBMC Media Center with a $35 Raspberry Pi [Xbmc]

Build a XBMC Media Center with a $35 Raspberry Pi [Xbmc]:

At Lifehacker we're big fans of the XBMC video player and home entertainment hub. Combine the awesomeness of XBMC with a Raspberry Pi, the $35 low-power computer board with a built-in SD card reader, USB ports, ethernet port, and HDMI output and we have the makings of a powerful-but-cheap home media solution. More »

DIY Bacon Fat Candle [Bacon]

DIY Bacon Fat Candle [Bacon]:

If you love bacon not only would you want to be surrounded by the scent of sizzling pork belly but you probably need a good excuse to use up all the leftover bacon fat. Kill two pigs with one stone by making bacon fat candles. More »

Data-hungry crowds spoil Olympic TV coverage, archers alerted

Data-hungry crowds spoil Olympic TV coverage, archers alerted:

With an opening ceremony celebrating social media and a guest appearance by the father of the internet, you would think the games are pretty Twitter-friendly. Well, not so much, as the hordes of London have been told to keep non-urgent texts and tweets to themselves to avoid disrupting TV coverage for those who weren't lucky enough to score beach volleyball tickets. The recommendation comes after broadcasters bumbled through the men's cycling road race due to a lack of available data from the cyclists' GPS. The information bottleneck appears to be related to one specific network and sharing the data burden has been discussed, although probably not via Twitter. The IOC knows that telling the masses not to log on likely won't have any impact -- so, what's next for the data haters.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Data-hungry crowds spoil Olympic TV coverage, archers alerted originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 03:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft details the Touch Mouse's upcoming support for Windows 8 gestures

Microsoft details the Touch Mouse's upcoming support for Windows 8 gestures:

We already knew that Microsoft would be upgrading its Touch Mouse to support Windows 8 gestures, but the outfit never confirmed which finger movements, exactly, would be built in. Now, Redmond is explaining it all, even though the mouse won't actually get updated until Win8 goes on sale in late October. According to the company, you'll be able to swipe two fingers to the right to toggle between open programs, and two to the left to expose those Charms. Sliding three fingers up and down will allow you to use Semantic Zoom. (Naturally, you'll be able to swipe from side to side to move through the tiles on your Start screen, but you probably already guessed that.) We have a Touch Mouse here at Engadget HQ that we're just itching to update, but until those drivers drop three months from now, it seems we'll just have to find something else to keep us entertained.
Filed under: Peripherals

Microsoft details the Touch Mouse's upcoming support for Windows 8 gestures originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 03:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple reveals 'Purple' phone prototype in court filing, to prove it didn't copy Sony

Apple reveals 'Purple' phone prototype in court filing, to prove it didn't copy Sony:

Alongside another raft of iPhone and iPad prototype sketches and designs, Apple claims that the creative process that culminated in its first smartphone predated sketches suggesting that it had borrowed ideas from Sony. The Verge spotted Apple's latest filing to the court from its trial against Samsung, which reveals its "Purple" prototype [above left] that was made around August 2005 and bares several hallmarks of the iPhone that finally appeared. The Sony-styled prototypes came later, and were apparently an "enjoyable side project." AllThingsDigital has also drawn together around 100 prototypes from Apple's deposition, which offers some interesting insight into what the iPhone could have looked like.
Filed under: Cellphones

Apple reveals 'Purple' phone prototype in court filing, to prove it didn't copy Sony originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 02:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Study Finds New Pop Music Does All Sound the Same

Study Finds New Pop Music <em>Does</em> All Sound the Same:
whoever57 writes "A study of music from the '50 to the present using the Million Song Dataset has concluded that modern music has less variation than older music and songs today are, on average, 9dB louder than 50 years ago. Almost all music uses just 10 chords, but the way these are used together has changed, leading to fewer types of transitions being used. Variation in timbre has also reduced over the past decades."
Read more of this story at Slashdot.

JavaScript Botnet Sheds Light On Criminal Activity

JavaScript Botnet Sheds Light On Criminal Activity:
CowboyRobot writes "Informatica64, a security research group, demonstrated the use of cached JavaScript to control computers connecting to a malicious proxy. 'The researchers found a variety of low-level criminals using their proxy server: fraudsters posing as British immigration officials offering work permits in hopes of stealing money and sensitive documents from their victims; a man pretending to be a pretty woman on a number of dating sites to con victims into sending money for a plane ticket; and another fraudster selling nonexistent Yorkshire Terriers.'"
Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Switched On: For OUYA, it's game on

Switched On: For OUYA, it's game on:
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

In discussing the varied routes Android has taken to the television, Switched On recently touched on OUYA, the cuboid game console that will run free-to-play Android games. The project has surpassed the $5.5 million mark on Kickstarter and once seemed poised to pass the Pebble smartwatch's record for overall funds collected just like it broke the record for funds collected in the first day.
Continue reading Switched On: For OUYA, it's game on
Filed under: Gaming

Switched On: For OUYA, it's game on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen iPhone parts purportedly leak again, get assembled sans innards

Next-gen iPhone parts purportedly leak again, get assembled sans innards:

Ready for another supposed look at the next-gen Apple iPhone? Matching up with previous leaks we've reported on, the elongated iPhone body with a miniaturized docking port and brushed metal back has appeared again, this time courtesy of iLab Factory. While many of its parts look astoundingly similar to what we've already seen, this is the first time we've gotten a solid look at it fully assembled from all angles -- well, aside from the missing SIM card holder. While most of its all-important innards are clearly absent, this assembly does come complete with what appears to be the locking ribbons for the screen and home button. As always, grab the obligatory spoonful of sodium chloride, then check it out for yourself at the gallery and links below.

Gallery: Assembled next-gen iPhone?

Filed under: Cellphones

Next-gen iPhone parts purportedly leak again, get assembled sans innards originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jul 2012 13:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google posts Android 4.1 Jelly Bean images for Nexus devices, modders rejoice

Google posts Android 4.1 Jelly Bean images for Nexus devices, modders rejoice:

If you're the sort to get a little too adventurous with CyanogenMod 10 or other custom ROMs, Google just gave you a crutch. Android 4.1.1 factory images are now available for every Nexus device that can currently get a taste of Jelly Bean: the HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S and the expected Nexus 7. While it's not a complete safety net, the gesture will let dedicated modders flash their phones and tablets knowing that they can almost always jump back to the pure OS if someone's definition of "alpha build" is a little too rough. CDMA users are unfortunately left out of the loop; let's just hope they're brought up to speed before too long.

[Thanks, Vince]
Filed under: Cellphones

Google posts Android 4.1 Jelly Bean images for Nexus devices, modders rejoice originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holding hands with strangers (video)

Holding hands with strangers (video):

[Video Link] Andrew Hales of LAHWF ("Losing All Hope Was Freedom", a Fight Club reference) walks around in public trying to get strangers to hold his hand. Below, part two (via Joe Sabia).

Insert Coin: Botiful telepresence robot for Android (video)

Insert Coin: Botiful telepresence robot for Android (video):
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line.

Remote-controlled cameras are nothing new -- heck, some even ride atop robotic vacuums -- but this Android smartphone-powered device delivers quite a bit of versatility in a petite package with a reasonable price tag to boot. Botiful, a "social telepresence robot," serves as a roving platform for your Android smartphone. You can move the handset (and its front-facing camera) up and down as it speeds along any flat surface, responding to commands from someone on the other end of a Skype video chat. Once you connect the device to your Android phone through Bluetooth or USB, you can control its direction from a pop-up window within Skype, letting you position Botiful however you see fit. If your Android phone doesn't have a front-facing camera, you can flip it around to use the rear shooter -- of course, you won't be able to see the display in this configuration, so it won't be ideal for two-way chats. Naturally, this makes the duo a natural choice for surveillance and baby monitoring, but it can also be used to provide a more immersive experience during conference calls or for sending back video from locations that aren't easily accessible, such as the undercarriage of a car.
Designed in a garage in California (no, really), Botiful is already functional, with working software as well. The current configuration requires Skype for control, though an SDK will allow developers to create other control apps for the device -- and who knows, the seemingly capable inventor could release another tool of her own before it's set to hit production later this year. With much of the design already completed, the project sponsor is turning to Kickstarter to raise the funds necessary to launch Botiful to production -- the device could ship as soon as November if it reaches a $90,000 goal before August 22nd. Available in white, blue or red, the remote-controlled rig is currently only compatible with Android, though iOS support may come if funding exceeds a $100k threshold. There's still more than three weeks to go to make your pledge, with a limited number of pre-order slots available for $199 (retail pricing is expected to come in at $299). Hit up the source link below to show your support.
Continue reading Insert Coin: Botiful telepresence robot for Android (video)
Filed under: Cellphones, Digital Cameras, Robots

Insert Coin: Botiful telepresence robot for Android (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Early iPhone mockups show Sony influence

Early iPhone mockups show Sony influence:



The current iPhone design, it turns out, was in the works since 2006—and was so influenced by Sony that they even put its logo on the mockups. Court filings in the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Samsung reveal an early concept by Apple designer Shin Nishibori which closely resembles the current-gen iPhones, complete with the silver band. [The Verge]


Early generations of production iPhone, however, went for a more organic look with a smoothly-curved back.


For reference, here is one of the many smartphone models that Sony (then in partnership with Ericsson) offered around 2006/7. It's remarkable because it clearly does have the same pedigree in mind, design-wise; it's just made of plastic and isn't very nice.

OUYA to get OnLive gameplay at launch, console's full controller gets pictured

OUYA to get OnLive gameplay at launch, console's full controller gets pictured:

Some happy news for the many who've already plunked down their hard earned cash on OUYA -- the Android-based gaming console will be getting streaming gaming courtesy of the folks at OnLive. The prospective console maker broke the news on its Kickstarter page, noting that the experience will also include 30 minute free demos of "nearly every game" in its library, including Ravaged and Darksiders II. Also, some news for those wondering if the other side of the console's controller was a radical departure [see above]. Check out a press release detailing the OnLive partnership after the break. Oh, and for those of you keeping track: the Kickstarter page is currently at a whopping $5.5 million pledged, with a dozen days left.
Continue reading OUYA to get OnLive gameplay at launch, console's full controller gets pictured
Filed under: Gaming

OUYA to get OnLive gameplay at launch, console's full controller gets pictured originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese cars: More reliable than death

Japanese cars: More reliable than death:
Japanese cars, according to a survey, are the most reliable on Earth, which means everyone else is rubbish. Honda, Toyota and Lexus took the first three places in a reliability league, compiled by our chums the Warranty Direct company and What Car!!!!!!!!!
The table was based on cars that are three-to-ten years old and, remarkably, Hondas only a 10% chance of breaking down in any given year. Likewise, Toyota and Lexus are 17% and 18% respectively.
And who sucks? Land Rover, that’s who, as they came last in the reliability stakes with a breakdown rate of 71%. Surprisingly, luxury motors like Jaguar (43% breakdown rate) and Mercedes-Benz (45%) didn’t fare well at all.
In fact, so poor is the rest of the world, only one non-Far East manufacturer made it into the top 10, so take a bow Chrysler.
What Car!?!?! editor in chief Chas Hallett said: “Reliability is so important to motorists, especially when times are tough. Japanese car makers really do deliver on reliability and Honda is exceptionally good at this. What will be surprising to many is the fact that several of the more desirable brands did not fare so well regarding reliability, and the cost of their repairs are high. They need to do better.”

Samsung Galaxy S III recovers universal search box in OTA update to European handsets

Samsung Galaxy S III recovers universal search box in OTA update to European handsets:

Samsung promised -- and it's already delivered. Galaxy S III-toting Brits should wake up to yet another OTA update for their smartphone, which throws in some stability improvements alongside the returning universal search feature that polls your phone's entire contents for results. Users can check their settings menu for the lightweight 5MB download now.
Filed under: Cellphones

Samsung Galaxy S III recovers universal search box in OTA update to European handsets originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 07:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple v. Samsung court filings reveal Sony-inspired iPhone, kickstand-equipped iPad and other prototypes

Apple v. Samsung court filings reveal Sony-inspired iPhone, kickstand-equipped iPad and other prototypes:

There's no telling how much more we'll see once the big Apple vs. Samsung trial finally gets underway in a San Jose federal court next week, but today has already seen the release of a swath of new documents full of surprises. Most notably, that includes a range of previously unseen Apple prototype devices, including various renderings of both the iPhone and iPad. One standout is an iPhone 4-esque device that quite literally wears its Sony influence on its sleeve (in one instance with the logo changed to "Jony," a la Apple's Jony Ive). According to the filing, it was designed by Apple's Shin Nishibori, and was apparently up against another more metallic, iPod-style device at one point (ultimately winning out despite some protestation).
But those are far from the only iPhone prototypes that have been revealed. There's also an elongated device identified by the codename N90, seemingly with a small screen and space for a keypad or input area of some sort below, plus a device with squared off corners somewhat reminiscent of the Motorola Photon 4G. Another prototype goes in the opposite direction, with sharp corners and a slightly rounded back. As for the iPad, we've gotten a look at some more recent prototypes than the early 2000-era model that surfaced earlier this month. While there's no stylus in sight, there are a couple of iPad prototypes with kickstands built into the back of the device, and a number of considerably different designs than what Apple ultimately settled on. Dive into the galleries below for a closer look at the whole lot.
Michael Gorman contributed to this report.

Gallery: iPhone CAD drawings and prototypes

Gallery: iPad CAD drawings and prototypes

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablet PCs

Apple v. Samsung court filings reveal Sony-inspired iPhone, kickstand-equipped iPad and other prototypes originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 23:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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