Verizon’s push-to-talk services already existed, but it was a pretty creaky service. It’s now upgraded its offering (for five bucks a month), with a free six-month trial to anyone that signs up now. Right now. Supported Android devices range from the…
Technical
Wireless charger uses ultrasound to power your phone from across the room
We first came across uBeam’s unusual wireless charging technology three years ago, at the All Things D Science Fair, where the fledgling company was only just introducing its creation to the public. Today, the company’s finally ready for a big move…
BLU Products’ candy-toned Android phones are still cheap and unlocked
It might take a while before BLU Products (makers of affordable and unlocked phones for North America) comes out with Windows Phone devices like it promised. Until then, we’ll likely see it launch more Android phones first — like these four KitKat…
Timex’s new Ironman smartwatch doesn’t need a phone for 3G
Timex just added a new entry to its Ironman line of GPS watches, ‘cept it’s not just any ole timepiece this time — it’s a 3G-connected smartwatch that doesn’t even need to pair up with a phone. The company calls it the Ironman One GPS+, and while it…
These robots have x-ray vision, thanks to WiFi
These robots from the labs of a University of California, Santa Barbara professor might not be able to outrun anyone, but they sure have a special ability of they own: they can see through walls using only WiFi signals. For the technique to work, the…
Google pulls Gaza-themed Android app from Play Store following outcry
Google regularly screens Android apps in the Play Store, but it’s usually focused on blocking malware and scams rather than the substance of the apps themselves. Today, though, it took the rare step of policing content by removing Bomb Gaza, a game…
Square just bought a restaurant delivery company
Here’s something unexpected: Square — the company that turned your cell phone into a credit card reader — just purchased Caviar, a company that delivers food from restaurants that don’t normally deliver. It’s an unexpected acquisition; Caviar is a…
How would you change Samsung’s Galaxy S4?
Samsung’s Galaxy S4 is one of the most popular smartphones on the market, and we’d wager that a hefty proportion of our readers use it as their daily driver. When we placed the device in front of our mobile expert Brad Molen, he was full of praise,…
San Francisco airport beacons help the blind get around using their phones
San Francisco International is about to make life decidedly easier for blind and visually impaired travelers. The airport has teamed up with Indoo.rs to unveil a Bluetooth beacon system that will help these passengers find their way through Terminal…
XBMC renames its media app as it leaves its Xbox roots behind
XBMC’s name (which stands for Xbox Media Center) isn’t really relevant these days. The media center app only runs on the original Xbox through hacks, and it does a lot more than play your music and videos. Accordingly, it’s getting a long, long…
Google explains how it handles Europeans’ requests to be forgotten online
Google has previously offered a little bit of insight into how it handles (and occasionally mishandles) the EU’s “right to be forgotten” (RTBF) requests, but it has largely been a nebulous process. How do you know whether or not you’ll be scrubbed…
Ask Ooloo puts the ‘person’ back in personal assistant
Before Google dominated search, Ask Jeeves depended on a team of humans — yes, humans — to answer your internet queries. Ultimately, search algorithms killed the internet’s favorite butler, but the idea that humans are worthy competition for the…
Do you like watching German-language TV? Then this post’s for you.
When we, at Engadget, indulge in the occasional use of the German language, it’s usually to fire off Deutschland’s version of our favorite four-letter word (hint: it rhymes with sh-high-zuh!). Instead, we’re rattling off this mouthful: ProSiebenSat.1…
Facebook’s Slingshot now keeps the convo going with reactions to reactions
It’s been a little over a month since Facebook unleashed Slingshot, its stab at an ephemeral competitor to Snapchat, so it seems about the right time for it to get its first update. Slingshot, if you’ll recall, is a unique messaging app that requires…
Sony’s new Action Cam arrives stateside with SteadyShot and more for $200
Sony’s stable of action cams just got a new option for thrill seekers in the US. The HDR-AS20 joins the outfit’s HDR-AS100V and HDR-AS30V in capturing daring feats of whatever you fancy. This new model packs the company’s SteadyShot image…