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Verizon 4G LTE outage hitting parts of the US (Update: it’s back)

Posted by Billy Steele on February 22, 2012
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Experiencing some issues downloading those expense reports via your Verizon LTE device this morning? You're not alone. We've received reports of data outages in Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Pennsylvania and Ohio. We've reached out to VZW to find out what the issue is, and as soon as and we know more we'll post it right here. For now, let us know if your LTE is letting you down in the comments below.

Update: Via Twitter, Verizon states "VZW is investigating customer issues in connecting to the 4GLTE data network. 3G data, voice and text services are operating reliably." However, we're hearing reports that 3G is down for customers as well in some areas.

Update 2: VZW is now reporting that "After a brief issue this morning, 4G LTE service is fully restored" via a follow-up tweet.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Verizon 4G LTE outage hitting parts of the US (Update: it's back) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft details SkyDrive overhaul, Windows 8 app and desktop sync in tow (Update: video)

Posted by Billy Steele on February 20, 2012
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We heard whispers of SkyDrive desktop applications a few days ago. Today, Microsoft confirmed just that alongside a Metro-style offering for Windows 8 and other improvements to its cloud storage tech. In a post on the Building Windows 8 blog, the outfit discusses file sync via desktop app for easy drag-and-drop use -- much like we've become used to with Dropbox. The overhaul will support 2GB max file uploads through Windows Explorer and the desktop software will play nice with both Vista and Windows 7. Upgrades will also bring snappy, "touch-first" perusal of your files in a dedicated Windows 8 app and will offer accessibility in other Metro-syle applications should the need arise. The post states that "For app developers, this means that, so long as your app supports opening and saving documents and photos, it will automatically support SkyDrive without any additional work." Similar to its cloud storage competitor, SkyDrive will also enable remote access via its web site in case you need to "fetch" that presentation on a co-worker's PC. Still no word on extended storage options / pricing that we've heard rumblings about, though. For a closer look at the some of the tweaks, peep the gallery below or hit the source link for more on the particulars.

Gallery: Skydrive overhaul screenshots



Update: A video demo now awaits on the other side of the break.

Continue reading Microsoft details SkyDrive overhaul, Windows 8 app and desktop sync in tow (Update: video)

Microsoft details SkyDrive overhaul, Windows 8 app and desktop sync in tow (Update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Next Web  |  sourceBuilding Windows 8 blog  | Email this | Comments

NPR Music iPad app puts Tiny Desk Concerts a few swipes away

Posted by Billy Steele on February 15, 2012
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Feel like peeping a live performance from The Decemberists during your coffee shop work session? You can do just that via the new NPR Music app for your iPad. Once you download the free software onto your Apple slate, you're a few screen taps away from live performances, advance album listens and live streaming radio content. The app also enables offline listening through its visual playlist feature. If you're a fan of The Shins, an exclusive in-app concert streams live on March 7th. Itching to snag the app for your tablet? Hit the iTunes source link below.

Gallery: NPR Music iPad app

Continue reading NPR Music iPad app puts Tiny Desk Concerts a few swipes away

NPR Music iPad app puts Tiny Desk Concerts a few swipes away originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Fast Company  |  sourceNPR, iTunes  | Email this | Comments

ZTE Light Tab 2 launches in the UK, proudly sporting Gingerbread

Posted by Billy Steele on February 14, 2012
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If you don't mind your Gingerbread a bit stale, the ZTE V9A Light Tab 2 is now available in the UK. To jog your memory, for £235 you can snag the 7-inch, Android 2.3 slate complete with a 1.4GHz single-core processor, dual cameras, WiFi and 3G connectivity (no word on service providers). You'll also be getting 4GB internal storage alongside a microSD slot for added space. If you're looking to splurge in hopes of a tasty OS upgrade, there's still no word on ICS for the tablet. More details await in the full PR below.

Continue reading ZTE Light Tab 2 launches in the UK, proudly sporting Gingerbread

ZTE Light Tab 2 launches in the UK, proudly sporting Gingerbread originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Screenwise panel will pay you to track your every move online

Posted by Billy Steele on February 8, 2012
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Don't mind letting Google watch your every click while browsing the web? Awesome, because the folks in Mountain View want to pay you for letting them do just that. The company is recruiting panelists for a project it's calling Screenwise, a program that will give the internet behemoth more insight into how the general public uses the interwebs day in and day out. Once you opt in, you'll receive a $5 gift card code to Amazon and for up to a year, you'll get additional spending money every three months. But how will The Goog track your mouse clicks? Just before getting paid, you'll have to download a browser extension that will keep an eye on things and send your data back to the mothership. If you're looking to make a little more dough, Ars Technica reports that you'll be able to opt for a more lucrative hardware monitoring option. Here, you'll have to install the Screenwise Data Collector (pictured above) on your home network; however, the pay out is an initial Benjamin and $20 for every month you participate. Sound like something you'd want in on? Hit the source link below to be notified when registration opens.

Update: Google has passed along the following statement on the Screenwise project with a reminder that participation in the panel is 100% voluntary.
Like many other web and media companies, we do panel research to help better serve our users by learning more about people's media use, on the web and elsewhere. This panel is one such small project that started near the beginning of the year. Of course, this is completely optional to join. People can choose to participate if it's of interest (or if the gift appeals) and everyone who does participate has complete transparency and control over what Internet use is being included in the panel. People can stay on the panel as long as they'd like, or leave at any time.

Google Screenwise panel will pay you to track your every move online originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink TechCrunch  |  sourceGoogle, Ars Technica  | Email this | Comments

Vonage Mobile app allows free calls and texts worldwide to fellow Android and iOS users

Posted by Billy Steele on February 8, 2012
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Looking to save some coin on those international calls to your mates in Brussels? Vonage has just rolled out new Android and iOS apps that do just that. The Vonage Mobile app offers free talk and text for corresponding with fellow app users worldwide by way of WiFi or data connection. Need to update app-less Auntie Em while backpacking through the Swiss Alps? The outfit says it'll save you 70% over major carriers and costs 30% less than Skype. For calls to folks without the app, users can add calling credit in either $4.99 or $9.99 increments right from the iTunes store or Android Market. The software also makes use of your existing number and extensive list of contacts without the need to create another username. Right now, calls to any phone in the US of A, Canada or Puerto Rico are free from the app for a limited time -- so long as you stay under 3000 minutes per month, of course. Hit the source link or PR below for more information before heading to your app repository to snag the free download.

Continue reading Vonage Mobile app allows free calls and texts worldwide to fellow Android and iOS users

Vonage Mobile app allows free calls and texts worldwide to fellow Android and iOS users originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MOTU sneaks in MicroBook II post-NAMM, ships this Spring for $269

Posted by Billy Steele on January 28, 2012
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MOTU sneaks in MicroBook II post-NAMM, shipping this Spring for $269
Looking to add some muscle to your mobile recording kit? MOTU waited to pull the curtain back on the MicroBook II until after NAMM, revealing a revamped portable audio interface for those who fancy tracking on-the-go. The studio-quality kit plays nice with both Mac and PC, offering a compact 4-input / 6-output, bus-powered recording option with 96kHz recording and playback support. Sporting inputs for mics (XLR), guitar, keyboard and powered speakers, the MicroBook II connects to your computer of choice via USB 2.0 and boasts on-board volume controls. All four inputs can be recorded simultaneously while internal CueMix tech allows for a unique stereo mix for each output pair. Speaking of outputs, the diminutive box houses six of said channels alongside TRS 1/4-inch, stereo mini, S/PDIF, and 1/4-inch headphone offerings. You'll have to wait until Spring to snag one, but for now hit the PR after the break for a full list of specs.

Continue reading MOTU sneaks in MicroBook II post-NAMM, ships this Spring for $269

MOTU sneaks in MicroBook II post-NAMM, ships this Spring for $269 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tim Cook says Apple TV is still ‘a hobby,’ can’t live without it

Posted by Billy Steele on January 24, 2012
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Looking forward to an update to your beloved Apple TV? It seems the company still fancies the device as well. On the quarterly numbers call today, Tim Cook quipped that "we still classify this as a hobby, but we continue to add things to it." He went on to say that the company will "continue to pull strings and see where we can take it." This comes on the heels of Cupertino seeing a record 1.4 million units sold last quarter.

Tim Cook says Apple TV is still 'a hobby,' can't live without it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iBooks Author sees 600,000 initial downloads, 3 million for iTunes U app

Posted by Billy Steele on January 24, 2012
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Apple announced on its quarterly earnings call this afternoon that iBooks Author had seen 600,000 downloads since its unveiling last week. The folks in Cupertino also mentioned that iTunes U has seen 3 million app downloads, feeling a bump from the announcement a few days ago. One other interesting tidbit: currently, 1.5 million iPads have been deployed in schools. We'd surmise that those numbers will continue to increase as iBooks 2 and iBook Author start to pound the pavement in the months ahead.

iBooks Author sees 600,000 initial downloads, 3 million for iTunes U app originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OrcaM sphere constructs detailed, digital 3D models of wares while you wait (video)

Posted by Billy Steele on January 22, 2012
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Ever wanted a 3D digital copy of all those Little League trophies? Well, the NEK has whipped up something to lend a hand that's a bit larger than another recent scanner. Enter the OrcaM, an Orbital Camera System capable of producing an accurate, digital 3D model of objects up to 80cm (about 31.5 inches) wide and weighing up to 100kg (around 220lbs). Making use of seven shooters simultaneously, the system photographs the object while projecting various light and shadow combinations in order to determine the ware's geometry. The OrcaM is able to reproduce high-quality digital reproductions with a geometric accuracy less than millimeter (nearly .04 inches). As if that wasn't enough, it produces complete color, texture and reflectivity maps so that every minute detail is accounted for. Once your to-be-copied object has been loaded, the OrcaM takes over and is automatic, churning out the completed rendering shortly after the requisite photos are taken. Hit the video up top for a look at the beast in action.

OrcaM sphere constructs detailed, digital 3D models of wares while you wait (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink DVICE  |  sourceNEK (German)  | Email this | Comments