Archive for February, 2012

Envia’s GM-backed battery delivers huge energy density, lower costs, headaches for competitors

If you’re one of those worried about the battery on your expensive EV running out, look away now. Envia has unveiled a new cell that boasts a record-breaking energy density of 400Wh/kg (most currently offer between 100 and 150). It’s estimated that when commercialized, this could bring the cost of a 300-mile range EV down […]


Whole Foods experimenting with Kinect-powered shopping carts that are smarter than you (video)

Here’s a little secret Whole Foods doesn’t like to advertise: they want, nay, demand, that a rather large percentage of residents near its highfalutin grocery stores have a college degree. Apparently you’ve gotta be smart to navigate its aisles crowded with over-priced organic wares and exotic condiments. Perhaps, though, the company has realized the error […]


Delphi will debut F1FOR3 concept in Geneva

Delphi is headed to this year’s Geneva Motor Show with a concept of its own. Details on the F1FOR3 Concept are slim at the moment, though the company says the vehicle will be a platform for demonstrating “high speed connectivity and user experience features.” While that sounds about as thrilling as belly button lint, we’re […]


Google aids accessibility with ChromeVox reader, better YouTube captions and more

Engineers from Google have commandeered a booth at this year’s CSUN accessibility conference and they’re keen to talk up their latest efforts. For the visually impaired, there’s now a beta version of a Chrome screen reader called ChromeVox (demo’d after the break), plus improved shortcuts and screen reader support in Google Docs, Sites and Calendar. […]


Broadcom: 802.11ac chipsets already in preproduction, preparing router invasion in summer

Broadcom might have unveiled a bevy of 802.11ac chipsets back at CES, however when it came to availability the chipmaker played more than coy as to when they’d sashay their way out of developmental labs and into the hands of actual consumers. Fast-forward to MWC and the chipmaker’s isn’t nearly as shy, proclaiming its future […]


Next gen. BMW 7 Series to use carbon fiber

The next BMW 7 Series, said to be arriving in 2015, will reportedly use more CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) in its build. In two interviews R&D head Dr. Klaus Draeger said the big sedan will introduce the expanded use of CFRP components into the mainstream BMW line.
Draeger made sure to say that he believes […]


Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) hands-on (video)

As far as product launches go, the 10-inch Galaxy Tab 2’s debut was relatively discreet. Announced with little fanfare, it’s not even on display in Samsung’s booth here at Mobile World Congress; you’ll have to talk your way into a private room if you want a shot at getting hands-on.
And we can see why: with […]


Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) hands-on (video)

It’s easy to get confused by the variety of 7-inchers coming out of Samsung’s gate; you might even speculate that the category is getting a bit crowded. But with the arrival of the Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0), it appears the popular Android manufacturer has an ace in its sleeve. The slate leaps past its cousins […]


PSN Tuesday: Killzone 3 Multi, Reality Fighters demo, Gamers’ Choice

Cast your vote for which PSN games you’d like to see discounted — that’s what the Gamers’ Choice Awards boil down to. (And choosing which ones are the best or whatever.) You can start doing that today with the PS Store update.
Also joining us today: Killzone 3’s free-to-play, standalone multiplayer is available for download. If […]


Melkus lacquers up RS2000 Black Edition for Geneva debut

What’s the difference between black and piano black? Lacquer, and lots of it. Whether they’re making an actual piano or trimming out a car to the same effect, craftsman will typically apply six layers of clearcoat to give the wood that deep, lustrous shine (compared to the three layers featured on high-end auto bodies). When […]