We thought Mango’s nectar was already pretty damn sweet, but a group of young developers recently took up the challenge to make the next generation Windows Phone 7 experience even more delicious. Following up on last year’s ‘Rockstar’ competition, Microsoft asked students to submit Mango app prototypes via Twitter, with the promise of developers phones for the top entries. Among the top 20 #WPAppItUp submissions are a program that helps the colorblind figure out what shade of puce they’re peeping, and a sadistic alarm clock that requires users to solve puzzles before hitting the snooze button. Apparently, Microsoft still has 30 Windows Phones to give away, and is looking for young devs to offer up America’s next top Mango app. Submission guidelines can be found at the source link below.

[Thanks, E-Dan]

Microsoft crowns 20 winners in Mango app contest, losers go home fruitless originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Good old Radio Shack just can’t seem to keep its hands on internal memos. A little over a week ago, we were treated to a pair of leaked documents, slating an August 7th rollout for the LG Thrill 4G, and now another official looking missive has surfaced, pushing the release date back to August 21st. As per the document, customers will still be able to reserve their own 3D-enabled handset with the purchase of a $50 gift certificate before August 15th. Of course, we could still see this thrilling 4G phone pop up ahead of that date, perhaps from AT&T, but if you’ve already got a $50 gift certificate in hand, it looks like it’s time for another round of the waiting game.

LG’s Thrill 4G rumored launch pushed back to August 21st? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 10:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Italians have a reputation for creating beautiful objects. They’re a nation that seemed to sacrifice almost everything for the sake of aesthetics; older Italian cars had a formidable reputation for being undriveable, unrealiable, but one look and you were quite possibly in love.

I should know, I am Italian. Although the most beautiful thing I have ever created was a wooden birdfeeder for a grade school project. But I digress. The motorvehicle over which you are currently drooling is the Maserati GrandCabrio Sports. The GranCabrio was no lay-about, so quite why they needed to make it faster is beyond me.

As you are well aware, the GranCabrio is by far and away the most beautiful Cabriolet ever built. Fact. There is drama, beauty and power in spades. Like dating a lingerie model who enjoys kickboxing. And just in case that was a little boring for you, they’ve cranked it up a bit.

Borrowing the 4.7 litre V8 from the Maserati GranTursimo Stradale, which looks and sounds like a thunderstorm in a Bond film, the GranCabrio gets uprated brakes, suspension and a new aerokit to deal with the extra power.

The naturally aspirated alloy V8 delivers 331kW, or 450hp, to the rear wheels via an improved 7 speed flappy paddle transmission. I imagine the engineers at Maserati were peering over the shoulders of their compadrés at Ferrari when they designed that one.

Because Italians are the sort of people who wave supercars past instead of arresting the drivers (Switzerland, I’m looking at you here) the GranCabrio has a new exhaust system to make it louder beyond 2500rpm. For your aural pleasure, please enjoy this video of one minute of pure Maserati sound. Glorious.

The GranCabrio Sports is on sale right now, prices are unconfirmed which means you probably have to ask. And you know what they say about that. If you have to ask, don’t bother.

Ciro De Siena – OverdriveTV

Full Specifications for the Maserati GranCabrio Sports

Body

High-strength steel monocoque, under-body aluminium cross bracing

Layout

Front-mid-engine, rear-drive

Engine

4.7-litre all-alloy V8

Power

450hp (331kW) @ 7000rpm

Torque

510Nm @ 4750rpm

Capacity

4691cc

Bore x stroke

94mm x 84.5mm

Compression ratio

11.25:1

Maximum engine speed

7200rpm

Oil delivery

Wet sump

0-100km/h acceleration

5.2 seconds

Top speed

285km/h

Fuel consumption – Urban

22.5 litres/100km

Fuel consumption – Extra-urban

9.8 litres/100km

Fuel consumption – combined

14.5 litres/100km

CO2 emissions

337 grams/km

Transmission

Six-speed automatic (ZF 6HP26) with MC Auto Shift

Ratios

First:                4.171:1

Second:            2.340:1

Third:               1.521:1

Fourth: 1.143:1

Fifth:                0.867:1

Sixth:               0.691:1

Reverse:          3.403:1

Final Drive:      3.73:1

Differential

Asymmetric limited-slip (25% in traction, 45% in release) with bevel drive

Steering

Engine-speed sensitive power steering, rack-and-pinion.

Turning circle

12.3 metres

Length

4881mm

Width (with mirrors)

2056mm

Width (without mirrors)

1915mm

Height

1353mm

Wheelbase

2942mm

Front track

1586mm

Rear track

1590mm

Front overhang

873mm

Rear overhang

1066mm

Boot/trunk capacity

173 litres

Fuel capacity

75 litres

Dry weight (EU)

1887kg

Kerb weight (EU)

1980kg

Weight distribution (roof closed)

49% front/51% rear

Weight distribution (roof open)

48%/52%

Brakes

360mm front discs, 330mm rear discs

Tyres

245/35 ZR20 (front); 285/35 ZR20 (rear)

View full post on Car Blog | Breaking Motoring News Daily

Talk about swift justice. It’s been less than a week since we reported on Personal Audio’s second infringement suit against Apple, and an East Texas judge has already put an end to the litigation. In a statement regarding the company’s complaint that the iPad 2, iPhone 4, and latest generation iPods infringed on the same patents put forth in its initial suit, Judge Ron Clark said the $8 million already awarded to the plaintiff should do just fine. He went on to deny the company’s request for a second trial. It may not be the last we hear of Personal Audio, but it is a refreshing change of pace from the usual goings on in Eastern District courtrooms.

Judge shoots down Personal Audio’s second Apple infringement case originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 03:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Release date info for Nokia’s sweet slab of Meego has been scarce, but now Orange Switzerland’s webpage announces the N9 is coming its way September 15th. Last month Swedish carrier 3 Group promised it would arrive there September 23rd, while some retailer in Kazakhstan is apparently listing them for sale August 19th. We’re not quite ready to whip out our passport and translator for a taste of the (not) zombie OS’s brains yet, but we’ll keep an eye out for any more release date information as it comes.

[Thanks, StinkyFinger]

Orange Switzerland is expecting Nokia’s N9 on September 15th originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 21:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota, obviously not satisfied with whatever they have made out of the Prius, is now expanding the squad. Or, that is what we could guess from the announcement made about the possibility of a Prius c and Prius v edition. Apart from this, we also hear thatToyotais looking at making a Prius Coupe for 2014.

The Coupe is likely to be inspired from the concept of the futuristic Lexus GS which was revealed recently. We guess thatToyotawill make a larger Coupe that may be a car to watch.

The carmaker has decided to release the vehicle with a plug-in hybrid technology, a lithium-ion battery and a manual transmission. Stay tuned for more on that.

View full post on Car Blog | Breaking Motoring News Daily

BMW’s been teasing us with its vision for electric motoroing for years, and today, folks, the trend continues. The German automaker has unveiled two concepts from its upcoming i sub-brand: the city-dwelling i3 and a rehashed version of its i8. This is the first time we’ve officially seen the smaller of the two, as the car formerly known as the Megacity had only been spied in an official render and during routine testing at the arctic circle. It’ll haul four peeps with its 150km range (around 100 miles) and accelerate from 0-60mph in around 8 seconds. As for those with range anxiety, the German company will soothe such fears with an optional range-extending motor dubbed “REx.” Either variant could land in your garage in 2013, where you’ll be able top them up in 6 hours with a standard socket, or up to eighty percent in an hour if you’re rocking a spiffy high capacity charger.

The i8, which you’ll recall for its radical aerodynamic design and hybrid diesel-electric drivetrain, has received a bevy of aerodynamic tweaks and junked its oil burner, opting for a gasoline one instead. Engine swap aside, the sporty coupé apparently drinks only 2.7 liters per 100km — 87 mpg (!) for yanks — which is unreal in a car that’ll accelerate to 62mph in 4.6 seconds. Sound too good to be true? We’ll have to wait until 2014 to see if München can make good on those promises, but in the meantime feel free to peruse the galleries, videos, and PR after the break.

Continue reading BMW unveils new i3 and revamped i8 concepts, we await our automotive future (video)

BMW unveils new i3 and revamped i8 concepts, we await our automotive future (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The other rappers probably spend a lot of time making fun of you when you don’t have your own line of headphones. The Wu Tang’s RZA can thankfully breathe a sigh of relief as he becomes a member of the not so inclusive club that already contains the likes of Dr. Dre, Ludacris, and 50 Cent. The Gravedigga sometimes known as Bobby Digital is teaming up with WESC to bring the world Chambers, a line of over-ear headphones with flashing LEDs that light up in time with your music. Chambers will come in two versions — one targeted at consumers and another aimed at pros. The line is set to launch on August 26th. It’s not quite as awesome as that $500 Ghostface Killah doll from a few years back, but it’s a start.

Continue reading RZA unveils branded headphone line, hopes you don’t leave Shaolin without them

RZA unveils branded headphone line, hopes you don’t leave Shaolin without them originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault is all geared up forFrankfurt, by unveiling the new 2012 Twingo. The first looks exhibit a distinct restyled front of this popular vehicle.

Maiden pictures of this next-generation hatchback were issued by the French auto maker. Going by the pictures, we think the car will bring in a new design paradigm for the hatch.

On the front facade of the emerging Twingo, the automaker has added an enlarged Renault badge a little above an open mouth grill which is curvier than what the previous model had. We expect more revolutionary changes in face lifted Twingo in the interior and rear fascia.

Renault is all set to present the latest Twingo to the world at theFrankfurtmotor show on September 13.

We can expect the production model Twingo to hit the road later this year.

View full post on Car Blog | Breaking Motoring News Daily

After endless development and lobbying from fans around the world, the BBC has finally opened up an international version of the iPlayer — its smash hit video-on-demand service.

It isn’t exactly the same as the British version of the iPlayer — for a start, it’s an app that only works on the iPad — but it’s being put forward as a pilot program that will expand its reach over time. As of today, users in eleven European countries will be able to download the iPlayer app and pay for access to a library of popular shows. Notable territories on this first launch are Germany, France, Italy and Spain, but the corporation hopes to roll out soon in America and elsewhere.

The app is priced roughly in line with other video subscription services, at €6.99 ($9.96) each month or €49.99 ($71.25) for a year. For their money, buyers get access to a range of BBC programming… and although it isn’t all of the business’s domestic output, the corporation boasts that it has more than 1,500 hours of programming available, from classics such as Fawlty Towers to modern hits like Sherlock and Top Gear. It also syndicates some shows from other British broadcasters, just as it does with TV stations such as BBC America (science fiction series Primeval and Misfits, for example).

Oh, yes — and, of course, there’s always Doctor Who. How could we ever forget him?

Shows can be streamed over a Wi-Fi network, but interestingly they are also viewable offline and over a 3G connection. That’s something they believe is really important to making more than just an alternative to other ways of viewing. It’s also an advance on the current British version of the iPlayer, which currently only really does streaming to devices, so local users may start agitating for the offline features.

Executives are keen to stress that this is just the first part of their plan to roll out the app globally, a move which will include regionalizing the player — showcasing different lineups of shows for different countries, depending on their tastes — and potentially expanding it to other platforms too.

More broadly, though, it’s also the latest sign of the increasing globalization of cord-cutting online video services. Just as the BBC has its plans to stretch beyond Britain, Netflix is expanding from North America into Europe. It’s starting in Spain as a way of circling around local competitor Lovefilm, which was bought by Amazon earlier this year, but Britain will come soon afterward. It looks like the pieces are all falling into place for an epic tussle.

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• Connected Consumer Q2: Digital music meets the cloud; e-book growth explodes
• Connected Consumer Q1: The Over-the-Top vs. Pay TV Battle Heats Up
• Connected Consumer 2011: What Not to Expect

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