Love driving but hate traffic? We hear you, and so do the people at Inrix. While the company might not come to the forefront of your mind when you consider the crowded world of navigation solutions, Inrix is a significant player in the field -- even if much of its presence exists behind the scenes. The company collects and analyzes data points from nearly 100 million sources, and now it's putting that information to work with Inrix Traffic 4 for iOS. In addition to helping users avoid congestion brought on by road work, police activity, local events and traffic accidents, the app now provides drivers with optimal routes and estimated arrival times for their two most common destinations -- a feature that's somewhat reminiscent of Nokia Drive 3. Inrix also leverages its data analysis to provide users with ideal departure times and even estimate traffic congestion throughout the day based on historical information. What's more, commuters can now quickly provide these estimated arrival times and routes to loved ones and co-workers via text message or email.
While the basic version of Inrix Traffic 4 is free, you'll have the option of upgrading to a premium version for $24.99, which brings traffic camera information and allows you to add more than two common destination points. We're told that Android users will soon find these features work their way across the aisle, although Inrix isn't yet ready to give a specific arrival date. If you're curious to learn more about Inrix Traffic 4, just hop the break for a demo video and the full PR.
Continue reading Inrix Traffic 4 for iOS helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and estimate arrival times (video)
Inrix Traffic 4 for iOS helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and estimate arrival times (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Clarion is primarily known for its aftermarket car audio and navigation solutions, but it's increasingly moving into the realm of smartphone integration. Looking to court iPhone users who'd appreciate the connectivity and convenience of Pioneer's AppRadio, but don't care to fuss with the installation, Clarion's Next Gate can be easily mounted to one's windshield. It offers access to popular apps such as TuneIn and Pandora, along with navigation, hands-free calling and voice-dialing functionality. Scarily enough, users will even be able to access Facebook and Twitter via the voice-activated Vlingo app -- please, just promise to keep your focus on the road. The display itself is a 7-inch, WVGA affair, and as you'd expect, the unit is powered by the vehicle's 12 volt accessory jack -- otherwise known as the cigarette lighter receptacle. Similarly, the Next Gate connects to the iPhone via Apple's dock connector, which means that users will need to manage a bit of cable clutter.
All in all, the Clarion Next Gate could certainly be a compelling solution for some, and its $270 price is within the realm of reason. While we're a bit concerned about what it entails for driving distractions, the unit shouldn't be any worse of a diversion than the ol' smartphone itself. In fact, we're most disappointed that there's no support for Android. Those in the privileged iPhone community will be able to purchase the Next Gate as of June 1st, and you'll find the full PR after the break.
Continue reading Clarion Next Gate brings iPhone apps (and distractions) to your windshield
Clarion Next Gate brings iPhone apps (and distractions) to your windshield originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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George Hotz is no stranger 'round these parts. Better known as Geohot, he first achieved internet fame at the age of 17 with his announcement of a hardware unlock method for the original iPhone. From there, he moved on to even greater notoriety with a PlayStation 3 exploit that quickly attracted the ire -- and legal wrath -- of Sony. Now profiled in The New Yorker, we're given a candid and unique insight into the world of George Hotz, whereby his own admission, he wasn't motivated by an ideology so much as boredom and the desire to control a system. The freedom issues, it seems, were merely an afterthought.
George Hotz is unique. We're talking about someone who was programming by age five, building video game consoles by the 5th grade and making appearances on NBC's Today at age fourteen. Like many brilliant adolescents, he experimented with drugs and rebelled against authority. Eventually, the powers that be caught up with him, and George Hotz was sued by Sony on January 11th, 2011. The lawsuit drew the attention of malicious hacker groups such as Anonymous and LulzSec, which retaliated against the company in very public ways. However unintentional, Geohot became the poster child for hacktivists and inspired a movement that quickly grew out of control -- if only more of us could be so productive with our boredom. For an insightful read into one of the most influential hackers of our time, be sure to hit the source link below.
My whole life is a hack: how Geohot owned the iPhone, PS3 and inadvertently rallied hacktivists originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 04:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Springtime is here. It's a season of renewal, and similarly, an ideal time to replace your aging phone with one that you'll adore. With this in mind, we give you
Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide -- your one-stop resource for selecting the best handset that fits your desires and budget. This time around, we're doing things a bit differently. In addition to naming the top phones for each provider, you'll now find more comparisons across carriers. This should help you find the best possible handset -- regardless of network -- if you're willing to make the switch. Also, you'll no longer see limited-time offers as our budget picks -- they'll still get a mention, but now, only phones that commonly retail below $80 will qualify for this coveted spot. Naturally, new smartphones are always coming onto the market, so before you make your final selection, be sure to consult our
reviews hub for the very latest recommendations. With that in mind, read on as we round up the best smartphones of the season.
Continue reading Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition
Engadget's smartphone buyer's guide: spring 2012 edition originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Version 1.4 of
Wolfram Alpha has just landed in Apple's
App Store, and in addition to a visual refresh for weather queries and the ability to procure items from Best Buy, users will also discover a new in-app purchase option that brings image analysis and manipulation to the venerable analytics platform. For $0.99, the new Image Input feature allows users to add filters, perform color processing and OCR recognition, detect features and view EXIF and histogram information of their photos. The Wolfram Alpha app itself will set you back $2.99, so if you've yet to hop aboard, you can expect to plunk down just shy of $4.00 for the app and its add-on -- no doubt a small price for true photo junkies.
Wolfram Alpha in-app purchase for iOS adds advanced image processing capabilities originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Let's say you've just landed on home soil and happened to meet a charming partner during your stay abroad -- yet your unrequited love is separated by a nasty language barrier. Sure, it didn't seem to matter in the moment, but now that you've moved onto -- you know -- communication, you could use a bit of an assist. Thankfully, the folks at MyLanguage seem to have a worthwhile solution with the new Vocre 2.0 app for
iOS. The software allows two individuals to engage in video chats in their native tongues, and the app removes the language barrier by providing translations (both text and spoken) on-the-fly. While Vocre 2.0 is currently in private beta, it'll debut as a free, ad-supported application. Further, users may take advantage of paid, premium services that include on-demand human translation. You can follow a similar story of two young lovers in a video after the break. Think it'll work out for 'em?
Continue reading Vocre 2.0 for iOS brings live translation to video calls
Vocre 2.0 for iOS brings live translation to video calls originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nestled deep within the iLounge hall of CES, surrounded by numerous vendors of cheap phone cases and yesterday's news, we stumbled upon a company that didn't quite belong. Known as
NuForce, the firm is recognizable amongst audiophiles both for its high-end gear and consumer lineup that often shames overpriced competitors. As it happened, we stumbled upon a mysterious product known as the Air DAC, and happily, NuForce CEO, Jason Lim was on hand to give us a tour. Withholding technical specs (for now), the product is built for high quality wireless audio streaming and will ship as two distinct products -- one that operates over USB and another built for Apple's dock connector. We're also told that each transmitter can be paired with four Air DAC receivers and vice versa. Also, the product can be daisy-chained together to cover larger distances.
The DAC unit itself is rather spartan, which features only a power connector and two RCA analog outs. Yeah, digital ports would've been more alluring, but the Air DAC seems to be targeted at the average consumer and we're told it'll have a price to match. The sound quality was absolutely fantastic when played through the Icon system, which includes a separate amplifier and the Icon S-X speakers. Then again, we wouldn't have expected anything less, given the quality of the Icon setup to begin with. For an introductory look at the system in action, be sure to check the video after the break.
Continue reading NuForce CEO teases Air DAC for high quality wireless audio streaming at CES (video)
NuForce CEO teases Air DAC for high quality wireless audio streaming at CES (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Energizer doesn't get much coverage here at Engadget, primarily because those AA cells you see at the Walgreens checkout counter haven't changed much throughout the years. Every now and then, however, there are special events such as
CES, where the company that keeps
going and going trots out its latest products for techies to fawn over. This year, we got to check out its lineup of USB power solutions designed for the home and automobile, along with a very handsome set of
LED lights. Next month, Energizer will release new 5W chargers that include either a USB cable or Apple's dock connector. These are available for both the home and car, and will retail for $24.99 each. Perhaps most intriguing, however, is a product that combines both a wall and car charger into one handy unit. Known as the 2-in-1 USB Charger, it will retail for $39.99 and is set to hit store shelves this summer. In every situation, a cord management system is built into the unit, which is simple, effective and thoughtful.
Then we have its beautiful accent lighting solution that makes up the Edge Collection. Available in small and medium sizes, they were introduced in September of this year and feature rather dramatic dimming options that respond to touch at the base of the unit. A single press will turn the light on or off, while a continual press causes the lamps to slowly dim or brighten in a slow and smooth gradation for a perfect lighting level. They do get quite bright, too, as the small light ($64.99) puts out up to 350 lumens, while its larger brother ($79.99) pushes it all the way to 400 lumens. With no physical switches and bulbs that don't need to be replaced, Energizer's Edge Collection seems to be a long-lasting product that can either add a curious focal point or elegantly blend into the background of any room.
Eyes-on with Energizer's LED lighting solutions and USB chargers at CES 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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If you're jonesing to get your photos and movies from your smartphone back to the home computer without futzing around with cables, the folks at
SugarSync have a new spoonful of sweetness for
Android and
iOS devices -- and with its free price, it should be easy to swallow. In the latest version, the company has applied its AutoSync technology to videos, which means that all media files can now be synced to the cloud and pushed to linked computers without user intervention. As this could involve a significant amount of data, AutoSync Videos works only over WiFi, and users may select from three compression qualities based on their desire for picture quality or upload speed. The latest SugarSync apps also feature a redesigned photos tab, which lets users view all their pictures -- not just the recent ones -- and offers quicker navigation along with larger, high-res previews. The company gives all users 5GB of storage absolutely gratis, so if you have a lot of media to unload, it may be worthwhile to hop aboard. You'll find the complete PR announcements just after the break.
Continue reading SugarSync updates Android and iOS apps, brings auto sync technology to videos
SugarSync updates Android and iOS apps, brings auto sync technology to videos originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Just like the
iBike Dash from the days of yore, Velocomp is back with the Powerhouse -- a
cycling computer that integrates with any standard bicycle along with the iPhone and iPod Touch. Designed in collaboration with cycling coach Hunter Allen, the Powerhouse features distinct fitness plans tailored to the goals of training cyclists and lazy bums alike. Regimens last four to six weeks and include iSlim, Express Fitness, Brazilian Butt, Kid Fit, Weekend Warrior, Zero to 50 miles in Three Weeks and Healthy Heart. Perhaps more intriguing, however, is the ability to purchase additional training routines within the iBike app. The product will be fully unveiled at
CES and will retail for $269, which includes a water / shock-resistant case, a universal mounting system, all the necessary electronics and the iOS app -- which lets cyclists listen to their music as they train. Those interested in the finer details may check the PR just after the break.
Continue reading iBike Powerhouse to be unveiled at CES 2012, a cycling computer to shed your holiday excess
iBike Powerhouse to be unveiled at CES 2012, a cycling computer to shed your holiday excess originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Hey kids, if you never thought you'd live to see the day that
Animoog offered up its wares for your iPhone, then prepare to be dazzled. Previously available only for the iPad,
Moog has successfully re-tooled its impressive synthesizer software for the smaller screen and has maintained the same powerful features as before. Based on Moog's Anisotropic Synth Engine, the app leverages multitouch input, which allows users to play a chord and then modulate each note independently from one another. With a wide array of timbre styles, polyphonic modulation and pitch shifting, the software even supports MIDI input for those looking to link Animoog with a more traditional synth keyboard. Available right now in the App Store for 99¢, the software will leap to a full $9.99 after its introductory period. So, if you're rocking an iPhone 4 / 4S, it seems wise to jump on this deal while it's nice and cheap. There's a full video after the break, for those looking to see Animoog's recital performance.
Continue reading Animoog debuts DIY synth studio for iPhone 4, BYO talent (video)
Animoog debuts DIY synth studio for iPhone 4, BYO talent (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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