Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Open source mini sub appeals to our inner Steve Zissou]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/open-source-mini-sub/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/open-source-mini-sub/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/open-source-mini-sub/#comments Open source mini sub appeals to our inner Steve Zissou

Quadrocopters haven't exactly opened the skies for DIY exploration so much as they have for acrobatic feats, but the OpenROV project is hoping to make the briny depths friendlier for aspiring explorers and educators alike. The open source rover, spearheaded by NASA engineer and researcher Eric Stackpole, sinks to depths of up to 300 feet (100 meters), runs on eight C-cell batteries for approximately 1.5 hours and can clip by at three feet (one meter) per second. Within the laser-cut acrylic frame, a sealed cylinder houses a BeagleBone, HD webcam and LED lights. This all weighs in at 5.5 pounds and is piloted using a web browser and video feed. The footage is then piped up to a laptop that tethers the vehicle to the shore. Pre-orders for OpenROV 2.3 kits will be taken through Kickstarter later this summer at $750 apiece, though there are plans to sell fully assembled units. For now, explorers can register their interest at the link below and impatient Jacques Cousteaus will be pleased to know that all files necessary to build version 2.2 are available to download now.

Open source mini sub appeals to our inner Steve Zissou originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 02:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeagleBoardbotbotsDIYDIY subDiySubEric StackpoleEricStackpoleexplorationJacques CousteauJacquesCousteauJames CameronJamesCameronkickstartermakerOpenROVrobotrobotsROVroversubsubmarinesubmarinessubsunderwaterunderwater explorationUnderwaterExplorationWed, 30 May 2012 02:52:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA's Curiosity rover is on its way to Mars (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/26/nasas-curiosity-rover-is-on-its-way-to-mars-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/26/nasas-curiosity-rover-is-on-its-way-to-mars-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/26/nasas-curiosity-rover-is-on-its-way-to-mars-video/#comments It's been described by the scientist in charge as "the most complex mission that has ever been undertaken to the surface of another planet," and NASA's Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft is now well on its way to Mars. An Atlas V rocket carrying the Curiosity rover launched from Cape Canaveral this morning, and a successful separation of the craft occurred in space shortly thereafter, kicking off a journey to Mars that's expected to end with a rocket-powered descent to the planet in August of next year. Video of both events are after the break, and additional details can be found at the links below

Continue reading NASA's Curiosity rover is on its way to Mars (video)

NASA's Curiosity rover is on its way to Mars (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>curiositylaunchmarsmars rovermars science laboratoryMarsRoverMarsScienceLaboratorymslnasaroverspacecraftvideoSat, 26 Nov 2011 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA's Mars rover Curiosity gains DAN apparatus, new lust for water]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/nasas-mars-rover-curiosity-gains-dan-apparatus-new-lust-for-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/nasas-mars-rover-curiosity-gains-dan-apparatus-new-lust-for-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/nasas-mars-rover-curiosity-gains-dan-apparatus-new-lust-for-wa/#comments "You can think of DAN as a reconnaissance instrument." That's a quote from Igor Mitrofanov of the Space Research Institute, Russia, who is being deemed the "principal investigator" of the Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons. Shortened to DAN for obvious reasons, this guy will soon be affixed to NASA's Mars rover Curiosity, with one primary purpose: to "check for any water that might be bound into shallow underground minerals along the rover's path." In total, ten instruments on Curiosity will be dedicated to investigating whether the area selected for the mission has ever offered environmental conditions favorable for life and favorable for preserving evidence about life. We're told that while in active mode, it's sensitive enough to detect water content as low as one-tenth of one percent in the ground beneath the rover, but there's still no indication of when it'll actually prove that Mars truly is the next major relocation hotspot. Something tells us Richard Branson will be ready, regardless.

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity gains DAN apparatus, new lust for water originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CuriosityDANDynamic Albedo of NeutronsDynamicAlbedoOfNeutronsgalaxyjplmarsmars roverMars Science LaboratoryMarsRoverMarsScienceLaboratoryNASAroverrussiasciencescoutspaceSpace Research InstituteSpaceResearchInstituteususawaterThu, 27 Oct 2011 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA abandons Mars rover Spirit, chooses to remember the good times]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/nasa-abandons-mars-rover-spirit-chooses-to-remember-the-good-ti/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/nasa-abandons-mars-rover-spirit-chooses-to-remember-the-good-ti/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/nasa-abandons-mars-rover-spirit-chooses-to-remember-the-good-ti/#comments More than a year after it first lost contact with its Mars rover Spirit, NASA has finally decided to throw in the towel. Yesterday, the agency confirmed that it will end all planned communications with the robot on May 25th, effectively ending the craft's seven-year mission. NASA was hoping that the approaching Martian spring would allow the Spirit to recharge its solar panels and re-establish radio contact, but it now appears that the craft sustained irreparable damage last winter, when it was forced to endure brutally cold temperatures. NASA executive David Lavery, however, says the rover team will remember the Spirit more for its achievements than its slow demise:

"I think we'll all sit around and have a sip of Guinness and reminisce about when Spirit was a wee small little rover and look back at the accomplishments and successes rover had over its entire lifetime."

So the Spirit's spirit will live on, but what about NASA's mission to Mars? Well, the Opportunity is still in good health and, later this year, will be joined by the next-generation, nuclear-powered rover Curiosity, which will investigate whether or not Mars ever supported life forms. Meanwhile, NASA's network of orbiting spacecraft will continue to passively listen for signals from the Spirit, just in case it miraculously comes back to life. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading NASA abandons Mars rover Spirit, chooses to remember the good times

NASA abandons Mars rover Spirit, chooses to remember the good times originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 May 2011 07:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communicationcraftcratercuriosityCuriosityRoverlaunchlifemarsmars missionmars roverMarsMissionMarsRovermissionNASAnuclear powerNuclearPoweropportunityplanetred planetRedPlanetrobotroverspacespace explorationspacecraftSpaceExplorationspiritwaterWed, 25 May 2011 07:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire ditches Rover pre-paid WiMAX service]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/clearwire-ditches-rover-pre-paid-wimax-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/clearwire-ditches-rover-pre-paid-wimax-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/clearwire-ditches-rover-pre-paid-wimax-service/#comments
It's been less than a year since it went live, but Clearwire has now officially dropped its Rover pre-paid WiMAX service, saying that it was simply a way to "test some new pay-as-you-go pricing options and was offered on a limited retail basis in a couple markets." As you may recall, the brand offered just two products -- the Rover Puck WiFi hotspot and a USB stick -- and it gave customers the ability to purchase 4G WiMAX service on a daily, weekly or monthly basis starting at just $5 a day. As a Clearwire spokesperson explains to FierceWireless, however, the company is not giving up on pre-paid options altogether, and says that it's own new no-contract plans "should meet the needs of most of the Rover customer base."

Clearwire ditches Rover pre-paid WiMAX service originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gclearclearwirepre-paidprepaidroverwimaxWed, 04 May 2011 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA animation depicts Curiosity's soft landing on Mars, courtesy of a 'sky crane' (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/nasa-animation-depicts-curiositys-soft-landing-on-mars-courtes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/nasa-animation-depicts-curiositys-soft-landing-on-mars-courtes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/13/nasa-animation-depicts-curiositys-soft-landing-on-mars-courtes/#comments
Sending a rover to a distant planet is no small feat, so we might as well make the landing even more spectacular, right? That's exactly what NASA has in mind for its Curiosity Mars rover, albeit for more practical reasons. Launching in late 2011 and expected to land on Mars in August 2012, this mobile laboratory will see a unique descent after entering the Martian atmosphere: there'll be the usual separation from the heatshield and backshell, but at about 380 seconds into the entry, the rover will be gently lowered down by wire from a "sky crane," as opposed to taking a leap of faith. Once the landing is complete, the hovering sky crane will then detach from the rover and fly off for a dramatic disposal -- let's just hope it won't hit the now-dormant Spirit. See for yourself in the video above.

NASA animation depicts Curiosity's soft landing on Mars, courtesy of a 'sky crane' (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationCuriosityJet Propulsion LaboratoryJetPropulsionLaboratoryjpllandingmarsmars rovermars science laboratoryMarsRoverMarsScienceLaboratorynasaroversimulationspacespacecraftvideoWed, 13 Apr 2011 20:21:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover stars in its very own photoshoot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/nasas-curiosity-mars-rover-stars-in-its-very-own-photoshoot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/nasas-curiosity-mars-rover-stars-in-its-very-own-photoshoot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/nasas-curiosity-mars-rover-stars-in-its-very-own-photoshoot/#comments NASA's already given us a glimpse at its Mars rover, courtesy of a USTREAM broadcast a few months back, but the crew over at BoingBoing has taken one small step for mankind by going even further in-depth with Curiosity before it launches in November. One lucky photographer was granted permission into the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, and the fruits of his bunny-suited labor showcase the nooks and crannies of NASA's latest and greatest. We're still kind of bummed that the rover won't be equipped with a zoom 3D camera as originally planned, but we've got a hunch James Cameron's taking it even harder. Be sure to hit the source link for a whole smattering of more angles, if intergalactic spacecrafts are your thing.

NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover stars in its very own photoshoot originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d camera3dCameracuriosityjames cameronJamesCameronjet propulsion labJetPropulsionLabjplmarsmars explorationmars rovermars science laboratoryMarsExplorationMarsRoverMarsScienceLaboratorymastcamnasaproberesearchroverspacespace explorationspace probeSpaceExplorationSpaceProbeFri, 08 Apr 2011 00:52:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA forced to abandon plans for 3D camera in next Mars rover, James Cameron not losing faith yet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/nasa-forced-to-abandon-plans-for-3d-camera-in-next-mars-rover-j/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/nasa-forced-to-abandon-plans-for-3d-camera-in-next-mars-rover-j/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/nasa-forced-to-abandon-plans-for-3d-camera-in-next-mars-rover-j/#comments Among the many great feats of his career, film director James Cameron counts the rather unorthodox achievement of being able to convince NASA to use a stereoscopic camera on its next Mars rover project. Unfortunately for him, us, and the hard working folks over at Malin Space Science Systems, technical snags have been encountered in the integration of the jumbo mastcam (pictured above) with the rover's hardware and the resulting delays have caused NASA to nix the idea altogether. You might think that 3D visuals of Red Planet gravel will be no great loss, but the MSSS cams also had zoom lenses attached, whereas the research project will now be returning to tried and true fixed focal length imaging. Ah well, such is the bumpy road to interterrestrial enlightenment. NASA's rover, titled Curiosity, is set to begin its voyage in November of this year, while Cameron and co remain upbeat about the future, saying they're "certain that this technology will play an important role in future missions."

NASA forced to abandon plans for 3D camera in next Mars rover, James Cameron not losing faith yet originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d camera3dCameracameracuriosityexplorationinterterrestrialjames cameronJamesCameronmalin space science systemsMalinSpaceScienceSystemsmarsmars explorationmars rovermars science laboratoryMarsExplorationMarsRoverMarsScienceLaboratorymastcamnasaproberesearchroverspacespace explorationspace probeSpaceExplorationSpaceProbeTue, 29 Mar 2011 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[McGill University researchers show off lunar rover prototype with unique 'iRing' wheels]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/mcgill-university-researchers-show-off-lunar-rover-prototype-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/mcgill-university-researchers-show-off-lunar-rover-prototype-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/mcgill-university-researchers-show-off-lunar-rover-prototype-wit/#comments We've already seen researchers at the University of Chicago and Cornell use coffee grounds to develop an entirely different type of robotic hand, and it looks like some folks at McGill University in Montreal, Canada have also been taking a similar approach to quite literally reinvent the wheel. That's being done as part of the Lunar Exploration Light Rover (or LELR) project, which is aiming to build a lunar rover that's light and able to navigate difficult terrain (i.e. the surface of the moon) with ease. One of the key aspects of that, of course, are the wheels, and the McGill researchers' solution is something called the "iRing" -- a wheel made of a chainmail-type fabric and filled with "granular particulate matter" (or tiny pieces of metal). That creates a wheel that's heavy and sturdy enough to avoid bouncing around on the moon, but still flexible enough to absorb shocks and overcome any obstacles. Will it actually wind up on the moon? That remains to be seen, but the researchers expect the final prototype of the complete rover (which could even carry a crew) to be complete in the spring of 2012. Be sure to hit up the via link below for the best look at the rover on video.

McGill University researchers show off lunar rover prototype with unique 'iRing' wheels originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 04:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iringlunarlunar roverlunar vehicleLunarRoverLunarVehiclemcgillmcgill universityMcgillUniversitymoonroverspacespace explorationSpaceExplorationvehiclewheelMon, 03 Jan 2011 04:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Wheeme massage robot asks where it hurts to drive away the pain]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/wheeme-massage-robot-asks-where-it-hurts-to-drive-away-the-pain/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/wheeme-massage-robot-asks-where-it-hurts-to-drive-away-the-pain/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/wheeme-massage-robot-asks-where-it-hurts-to-drive-away-the-pain/#comments
 Former Israeli electronics and defense engineers wouldn't be the first group of people we'd peg to leap into the robot massager biz, but that's exactly who's behind the Wheeme from DreamBots inc. According to the firm's about page, the Wheeme was developed to meet "the increasing demand for smart products that offer the natural feeling of caressing, relaxation, falling asleep and even just tickling." True to those goals, the device works by moving slowly across a person's body to provide a gentle massage using its soft silicone rubber "fingerettes" (a.k.a. wheels). Special tilt sensor technology ensures it won't fall off or lose grip while motoring either -- making the Wheeme a master at its trade -- at least for customers lying down. Officially this rover will start shipping in the spring of 2011, but pre-ordering the device which costs $49 plus shipping will guarantee you don't miss out on any of the drive by goodness. To view the Wheeme going to work while narrowly avoiding crashes, check out the embedded video after the break.

Continue reading Wheeme massage robot asks where it hurts to drive away the pain

Wheeme massage robot asks where it hurts to drive away the pain originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 02:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>botsDreamBotsisrealmassagemassagerrobotrobot driverRobotDriverroboticsRobotsroverroverstilt sensorTiltSensortoysvideoWhee meWheeMeFri, 03 Dec 2010 02:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Laptop data plans: comparing LTE, WiMAX, and HSPA+ by speed, price, and value]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/laptop-data-plans-comparing-speed-price-and-value/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/laptop-data-plans-comparing-speed-price-and-value/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/laptop-data-plans-comparing-speed-price-and-value/#comments Now that Verizon's gone official with its LTE pricing for an initial launch in some 38 markets this Sunday, we wanted to take a quick look at how it compares to the other players in the laptop data market -- after all, how much you're paying month to month can be just as big of a determining factor (if not a bigger one) in choosing a carrier than the speeds you're seeing. So how do Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, Clear, and Rover stack up? Let's break it down.

Continue reading Laptop data plans: comparing LTE, WiMAX, and HSPA+ by speed, price, and value

Laptop data plans: comparing LTE, WiMAX, and HSPA+ by speed, price, and value originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gattcleardatadata plandata plansDataPlanDataPlanshspahspa+ltemifimodempricingroversprintt-mobileusbusb modemUsbModemverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwwimaxWed, 01 Dec 2010 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch the next Mars rover being built... via USTREAM! (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/watch-the-next-mars-rover-being-built-via-ustream-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/watch-the-next-mars-rover-being-built-via-ustream-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/watch-the-next-mars-rover-being-built-via-ustream-video/#comments
Does the idea of live video from JPL, where NASA's best and brightest are assembling the next Mars Rover, promise excitement and adventure? Perhaps not entirely. Are we holding out for a little more than some guys in clean suits gazing thoughtfully at the thing for minutes on end? Yes we are. You know as well as anybody how much we love our civilian space program, and how giddy with excitement we tend to get whenever they announce some new technology, so we're wishing everyone involved much success with this latest endeavor. And we're really hoping that things pick up a little on the USTREAM. As for the rover itself, it's called Curiosity, and it should launch a year or so from now, putting it on the red planet sometime in August 2012. Get a good look after the break.

Continue reading Watch the next Mars rover being built... via USTREAM! (video)

Watch the next Mars rover being built... via USTREAM! (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clean roomCleanRoomcuriosityJet Propulsion LaboratoryJetPropulsionLaboratoryJpLosmanlivestreammarsmars roverMarsRovernasanasa jplNasaJplroverstreaming videoStreamingVideoustreamvideoWed, 27 Oct 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Draper Labs develops prototype Mars Hopper]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/draper-labs-develops-prototype-mars-hopper/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/draper-labs-develops-prototype-mars-hopper/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/draper-labs-develops-prototype-mars-hopper/#comments
The Mars rover, that self-propelled, solar powered box o' sensors 'n stuff that slowly inches along the surface (and battles the fierce environment) of the red planet may be a mainstay of space exploration, but it's certainly not the only way to get the job done. For instance, the kids at Draper Labs -- last seen in this space with their injectable nanosensor -- are in the process of developing vehicles that would (literally) leave traditional rovers in the dust. The Draper Hopper prototype is designed with a ducted fan propulsion system that uses compressed nitrogen gas to cover twenty-five miles in a few days or, at best, a few hours. By way of comparison, NASA's Spirit and Opportunity craft have covered roughly twenty miles since hitting the Martian surface in early 2004. Of course, the hoppers will have to bring fuel with them, so their lifespans will be cut drastically shorter than their wheel-based contemporaries, but we've always believed more autonomous vehicles should "live fast / die young," like Sid Vicious or James Dean. With any luck, we should see test flights by January 2011.

Draper Labs develops prototype Mars Hopper originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautonomous vehiclesAutonomousVehiclesdraperdraper hopperDraper LaboratoriesDraperHopperDraperLaboratorieshoppermarsmars roverMarsRovernasaroverspacespace explorationSpaceExplorationTue, 05 Oct 2010 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Clearwire's Rover service goes live, offers $5/day 4G service]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/clearwires-rover-service-goes-live-offers-5-day-4g-service/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/clearwires-rover-service-goes-live-offers-5-day-4g-service/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/clearwires-rover-service-goes-live-offers-5-day-4g-service/#comments Looks like the prepaid wireless data market is starting to heat up: Clearwire just launched its Rover service, which offers 4G wireless data for as little as $5 a day -- with two free days included when you first sign up. That's not bad if you just need a quick hit here or there, although you need to pony up $150 for that Rover Puck WiFi hotspot we saw at the FCC last month or $100 for a USB stick, and anything more than a day quickly becomes less of a deal at $20/week and $50/month. Oh, and it's 4G-only, so if you're not living or working in a WiMAX city you're out of luck. Still, those prices aren't terribly out of line with the competition, although we might be more inclined to choose Virgin's $40/mo prepaid MiFi and settle for 3G speeds while getting more coverage. Decisions, decisions -- what a wonderful problem to have. PR after the break.

Continue reading Clearwire's Rover service goes live, offers $5/day 4G service

Clearwire's Rover service goes live, offers $5/day 4G service originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gClearclearwiremobile hotspotmobile wifimobile wifi hotspotMobileHotspotMobileWifiMobileWifiHotspotprepaidprepaid dataprepaid wirelessPrepaidDataPrepaidWirelesspuckroverrover puckRoverPuckwifi hotspotWifiHotspotwimaxwireless dataWirelessDataMon, 30 Aug 2010 13:52:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA's Athlete Mars rover does a little dance, gets down tonight (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/18/nasas-athlete-mars-rover-does-a-little-dance-gets-down-tonight2/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/18/nasas-athlete-mars-rover-does-a-little-dance-gets-down-tonight2/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/18/nasas-athlete-mars-rover-does-a-little-dance-gets-down-tonight2/#comments Its been a few years since we last checked in on NASA's All Terrain Hex Limbed Extra Terrestrial Explorer rover -- aka, Athlete. Now a half-scale working prototype standing 15 feet tall, weighing 2.5 tons (about 2,300 kg), and capable of a 1.25 mph (2 kmph) top speed has been set loose for testing by its Jet Propulsion Laboratory creators. Its first task, set to begin next month in Arizona, will be to complete a test circuit of at least 25 miles (about 40 km) in two weeks under its own power. Failing that, we hear Woz is looking for a dance partner. See what we mean in the video of Athlete demonstrating a flare for cargo transport after the break.

Continue reading NASA's Athlete Mars rover does a little dance, gets down tonight (video)

NASA's Athlete Mars rover does a little dance, gets down tonight (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonaathletedancedancingjplmarsmars roverMarsRovermoonmoon roverMoonRovernasaprototyperobotroverspacevideoWed, 18 Aug 2010 03:56:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA challenge searches for a solar-powered 'Night Rover']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/17/nasa-challenge-searches-for-a-solar-powered-night-rover/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/17/nasa-challenge-searches-for-a-solar-powered-night-rover/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/17/nasa-challenge-searches-for-a-solar-powered-night-rover/#comments
NASA regularly opens up challenges to foster development of new and exciting space technology, and it looks like it's come up with a particularly challenging one recently -- it's asking interested parties to develop a solar-powered "Night Rover" that can store up enough energy during the day to continue to work throughout the night. That's as opposed to the more recent crop of rovers that must do most of their work during the day, which NASA says forces them to pick and choose what tasks the rovers perform, thereby greatly reducing the chance for discoveries. It also notes that simply adding more batteries isn't an option, since every tiny weight increase significantly adds to the cost of sending something into space. Think you've got what it takes? There's a $1.5 million dollar prize in store for the winner.

NASA challenge searches for a solar-powered 'Night Rover' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>centennial challengeCentennialChallengechallengenasanasa centennial challengeNasaCentennialChallengenight roverNightRoverrobotroverroversspacespace explorationSpaceExplorationTue, 17 Aug 2010 19:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Spirit Rover may not live through bitter Martian winter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/spirit-rover-may-not-live-through-bitter-martian-winter/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/spirit-rover-may-not-live-through-bitter-martian-winter/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/spirit-rover-may-not-live-through-bitter-martian-winter/#comments NASA's Opportunity and Spirit rovers touched down on Mars in 2004 for a planned 90-day tour; six years and a few serious snags later, the latter of the two is facing its death of cold. Since March 22, 2010, Spirit's been slumbering on the surface -- stuck and unable to generate enough power to communicate -- and while internal heaters and a favorable position on a sun-facing slope allowed the rover to survive previous Martian winters, this time the chances aren't so good. "The rover is experiencing the coldest temperatures it's ever been in - equivalent to about minus 55 degrees Celsius," NASA told Space.com. Should Spirit wake up next year, it will resume a stationary mission to help scientists determine whether Mars has a liquid core, but if not there's always the chance it might spontaneously regain power still find utility in another decade or four. Still not on the docket: ever returning home.

Spirit Rover may not live through bitter Martian winter originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 07:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Marsmars explorationMars Exploration RoverMars RoverMarsExplorationMarsExplorationRoverMarsRoverNASAroverspaceSpiritMon, 02 Aug 2010 07:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Rover Puck WiMAX hotspot gets FCC'd, traction on ice subject of fierce debate]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/30/rover-puck-wimax-hotspot-gets-fccd-traction-on-ice-subject-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/30/rover-puck-wimax-hotspot-gets-fccd-traction-on-ice-subject-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/30/rover-puck-wimax-hotspot-gets-fccd-traction-on-ice-subject-of/#comments The pool of choices for WiMAX hotspots continues to expand, and thanks to the FCC, we now know of another up-and-comer. The Rover Puck -- trademarked by Clearwire and previously unheard of -- joins the ranks Sprint's Overdrive and its various rebrandings by providing pocketable 4G WiFi service. Unlike its predecessors, however, we finally have a new, more aerodynamic form factor. There isn't much to the glean from the user manual at this point, and the oft-referenced Rover website still isn't live -- a WHOIS lookup reveals it was last updated via GoDaddy on July 2008 with no other details disclosed. So, until we get some word from the official news pipelines, a plethora of external / internal photos and user manual screenshots are only a mouseclick away.

Gallery: Rover Puck user manual

Gallery: Rover Puck external / internal photos from FCC

Rover Puck WiMAX hotspot gets FCC'd, traction on ice subject of fierce debate originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gclearclear wireClearWirefcchotspotportable hotspotPortableHotspotpuckroverrover puckRoverPuckwimaxFri, 30 Jul 2010 21:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Russia's Lunokhod 1 robotic moon bounces back laser beams after 40 year nap]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/03/russias-lunokhod-1-robotic-moon-bounces-back-laser-beams-after/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/03/russias-lunokhod-1-robotic-moon-bounces-back-laser-beams-after/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/03/russias-lunokhod-1-robotic-moon-bounces-back-laser-beams-after/#comments Back before dubstup and chillwave there was a decade called "the nineteen seventies" which capped off a delicious space race between the US and Russia. Also, other things happened. While America was busy shipping humans up to the moon, Russia managed to get two robots up there, the Lunokhod 1 (pictured, in a photo apparently taken in 1904) and Lunokhod 2. They were lost a few years later, but have recently been rediscovered by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, and the Lunokhod 1 has been put back in use for one of its original purposes: laser ranging. A team from UC San Diego managed to get a lock on the bot and bounced 2,000 photons off the rover's laser retroreflector on their first try. They'll be using Lunokhod 1 and some Apollo-planted retroreflectors to test Earth-Moon distance at millimeter precision to test Einstein's theory of gravity.

Russia's Lunokhod 1 robotic moon bounces back laser beams after 40 year nap originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lunokhodlunokhod 1Lunokhod1moonmoon roverMoonRoverrobotroverrussiarussianThu, 03 Jun 2010 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[James Cameron convinces NASA to use 3D camera on next Mars mission]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/james-cameron-convinces-nasa-to-use-3d-camera-on-next-mars-missi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/james-cameron-convinces-nasa-to-use-3d-camera-on-next-mars-missi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/james-cameron-convinces-nasa-to-use-3d-camera-on-next-mars-missi/#comments What do you do once you've broken your own record for the world's highest-grossing picture film? Well, you go offworld, of course. James Cameron, in his infinite benevolence and multidimensional wisdom, has convinced NASA bigwigs not to forgo the inclusion of a high-res 3D camera on the Curiosity (aka Mars Science Laboratory) rover, which is set to depart for the red planet in 2011. Budget overruns had led to the scrapping of the autostereoscopic idea, but the director-man -- who has been involved with this project for a good few years now -- felt the results of the mission would be far more engaging if people could see them in 3D. Hey, if he can make us watch the Blue Man Group reenactment of Fern Gully, don't bet on Cameron failing to make extraterrestrial rubble interesting with his 3D voodoo.

James Cameron convinces NASA to use 3D camera on next Mars mission originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 05:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d camera3dCameraAutoStereoscopiccameracuriosityjames cameronJamesCameronmalin space science systemsMalinSpaceScienceSystemsmarsmars explorationmars rovermars science laboratoryMarsExplorationMarsRoverMarsScienceLaboratorymastcamnasaroverspacespace explorationSpaceExplorationFri, 30 Apr 2010 05:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake, part CCXXXVI: Nokia N900 rip shows no trademark fear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/keepin-it-real-fake-part-ccxxxvi-nokia-n900-rip-shows-no-trad/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/keepin-it-real-fake-part-ccxxxvi-nokia-n900-rip-shows-no-trad/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/keepin-it-real-fake-part-ccxxxvi-nokia-n900-rip-shows-no-trad/#comments It's pretty typical for serial KIRFers to make minor changes to the names of the brands they're ripping -- take Sany Ericssan, for example -- but we've never really known why. "Go big or go home" is the KIRF mantra we prefer to live by, and if you're going to gank a phone's design, by golly, do it with gusto. Give it 110 percent. In your heart, after all, that NOKLA's really a Nokia -- it's what you feel deep inside that really matters, and no well-staffed, well-funded Finnish legal team can tell you otherwise. That's why we've got to hand it to this particular model, simply called "Copy Nokia N900" in a painfully honest, accurate admission of its true raison d'être. Strangely, though, they've missed a few basic points: the Copy Nokia N900 trades the genuine article's landscape QWERTY slider for a dual slide configuration in the same vein as the N85 and N95, for example, and Maemo 5 has gone missing -- instead, you're treated to a frighteningly accurate S60 5th Edition knockoff. If you can tolerate the dismal VGA cam, GPRS data, and QVGA screen, you'll be pleased to discover that the phone features an analog (yes, analog) TV tuner and an accelerometer with "support" for flick control, which you can watch in action on video after the break -- looks super fun and usable, doesn't it?

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake, part CCXXXVI: Nokia N900 rip shows no trademark fear

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Keepin' it real fake, part CCXXXVI: Nokia N900 rip shows no trademark fear originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacopy nokia n900CopyNokiaN900kirfn900nokiaroverTue, 29 Sep 2009 05:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake, part CCXXXVI: Nokia N900 rip shows no trademark fear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/keepin-it-real-fake-part-ccxxxvi-nokia-n900-rip-shows-no-trad/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/keepin-it-real-fake-part-ccxxxvi-nokia-n900-rip-shows-no-trad/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/keepin-it-real-fake-part-ccxxxvi-nokia-n900-rip-shows-no-trad/#comments It's pretty typical for serial KIRFers to make minor changes to the names of the brands they're ripping -- take Sany Ericssan, for example -- but we've never really known why. "Go big or go home" is the KIRF mantra we prefer to live by, and if you're going to gank a phone's design, by golly, do it with gusto. Give it 110 percent. In your heart, after all, that NOKLA's really a Nokia -- it's what you feel deep inside that really matters, and no well-staffed, well-funded Finnish legal team can tell you otherwise. That's why we've got to hand it to this particular model, simply called "Copy Nokia N900" in a painfully honest, accurate admission of its true raison d'être. Strangely, though, they've missed a few basic points: the Copy Nokia N900 trades the genuine article's landscape QWERTY slider for a dual slide configuration in the same vein as the N85 and N95, for example, and Maemo 5 has gone missing -- instead, you're treated to a frighteningly accurate S60 5th Edition knockoff. If you can tolerate the dismal VGA cam, GPRS data, and QVGA screen, you'll be pleased to discover that the phone features an analog (yes, analog) TV tuner and an accelerometer with "support" for flick control, which you can watch in action on video after the break -- looks super fun and usable, doesn't it?

Continue reading Keepin' it real fake, part CCXXXVI: Nokia N900 rip shows no trademark fear

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Keepin' it real fake, part CCXXXVI: Nokia N900 rip shows no trademark fear originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinacopy nokia n900CopyNokiaN900gsmkirfmobilen900nokiaothersroverTue, 29 Sep 2009 05:23:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA's Desert RATS field tests the Lunar Electric Rover on simulated 14-day mission]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/20/nasas-desert-rats-field-tests-the-lunar-electric-rover-on-simul/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/20/nasas-desert-rats-field-tests-the-lunar-electric-rover-on-simul/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/20/nasas-desert-rats-field-tests-the-lunar-electric-rover-on-simul/#comments NASA just took its fancy Lunar Electric Rover for a spin around the Black Point Lava Flow in Arizona for a bit of simulated moon exploration. The 14 day mission had a couple of crew members holed up inside the vehicle for the duration, proving the suitability of the vehicle for such a lengthy jaunt -- and providing for a good amount of Odd Couple-esque hijinks inside, to be sure. The LER also managed to track down "lost" crew members in a trial to test out the navigation systems of the rover, and docked with a habitation module mounted on the ATHLETE vehicle. Sounds like a real party down there! Video is after the break.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading NASA's Desert RATS field tests the Lunar Electric Rover on simulated 14-day mission

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NASA's Desert RATS field tests the Lunar Electric Rover on simulated 14-day mission originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athletedesert ratsDesertRatslunar electric roverLunarElectricRovermoonmoon roverMoonRovernasanasa testNasaTestroverSun, 20 Sep 2009 08:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/video-nokia-n900-put-through-its-paces-in-italian/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/video-nokia-n900-put-through-its-paces-in-italian/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/video-nokia-n900-put-through-its-paces-in-italian/#comments We're sure to see a whole lot more of the Nokia N900 as Nokia World gets underway this week, but in the meantime we're super into this video walkthrough posted up by Kiamanokia.it -- and not just because the Italian narration makes using the N900 seem absolutely delightful. Nope, we're much more into the extremely-responsive interface, the rotary-zoom gesture in the browser, and the overall slickness of Maemo 5. We'll withhold judgment until we spend some time with an actual production N900, but things are looking promising -- head after the break to check the video for yourselves.

[Via The Nokia Blog]

Continue reading Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian

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Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internet tabletInternetTabletleakleaksmaemomaemo 5Maemo5mobilen900nokiarovervideowalkthroughTue, 01 Sep 2009 21:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/video-nokia-n900-put-through-its-paces-in-italian/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/video-nokia-n900-put-through-its-paces-in-italian/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/01/video-nokia-n900-put-through-its-paces-in-italian/#comments We're sure to see a whole lot more of the Nokia N900 as Nokia World gets underway this week, but in the meantime we're super into this video walkthrough posted up by Kiamanokia.it -- and not just because the Italian narration makes using the N900 seem absolutely delightful. Nope, we're much more into the extremely-responsive interface, the rotary-zoom gesture in the browser, and the overall slickness of Maemo 5. We'll withhold judgment until we spend some time with an actual production N900, but things are looking promising -- head after the break to check the video for yourselves.

[Via The Nokia Blog]

Continue reading Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian

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Video: Nokia N900 put through its paces... in Italian originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internet tabletInternetTabletleakleaksmaemomaemo 5Maemo5n900nokiarovervideowalkthroughTue, 01 Sep 2009 21:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia N900 puts on makeup, does hair for leaked press shot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/nokia-n900-puts-on-makeup-does-hair-for-leaked-press-shot/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/nokia-n900-puts-on-makeup-does-hair-for-leaked-press-shot/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/nokia-n900-puts-on-makeup-does-hair-for-leaked-press-shot/#comments Normally, we'd take a look at something like this and say, "yeah, could be real, could be fake." Goodness knows there are enough mega-talented graphic designers in the world with the free time to craft this. Here's the thing, though: this phone / MID hybrid -- the latest in Nokia's Internet Tablet series -- has already been outed enough times so that we know this has to be a genuine press shot. If we had to guess, Espoo fashioned it in preparation for its Nokia World event in Germany early next month where the N900 will presumably be announced into officialdom; there's no sign on when or how the T-Mobile USA version will be unveiled, but we're getting pretty amped for it.

Update:Here's another N900 press shot, courtesy again of BeGeek, after the break.

[Thanks, Allen!]

Continue reading Nokia N900 puts on makeup, does hair for leaked press shot

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Nokia N900 puts on makeup, does hair for leaked press shot originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internet tabletInternetTabletmaemomaemo 5Maemo5n900nokiarovertabletMon, 24 Aug 2009 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia N900 puts on makeup, does hair for leaked press shot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/nokia-n900-puts-on-makeup-does-hair-for-leaked-press-shot/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/nokia-n900-puts-on-makeup-does-hair-for-leaked-press-shot/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/nokia-n900-puts-on-makeup-does-hair-for-leaked-press-shot/#comments Normally, we'd take a look at something like this and say, "yeah, could be real, could be fake." Goodness knows there are enough mega-talented graphic designers in the world with the free time to craft this. Here's the thing, though: this phone / MID hybrid -- the latest in Nokia's Internet Tablet series -- has already been outed enough times so that we know this has to be a genuine press shot. If we had to guess, Espoo fashioned it in preparation for its Nokia World event in Germany early next month where the N900 will presumably be announced into officialdom; there's no sign on when or how the T-Mobile USA version will be unveiled, but we're getting pretty amped for it.

Update:Here's another N900 press shot, courtesy again of BeGeek, after the break.

[Thanks, Allen!]

Continue reading Nokia N900 puts on makeup, does hair for leaked press shot

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Nokia N900 puts on makeup, does hair for leaked press shot originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internet tabletInternetTabletlinuxmaemomaemo 5Maemo5mobilen900nokiarovertabletMon, 24 Aug 2009 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia's Maemo 5 RX-51 / N900 tablet gets exhaustively previewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-rx-51-n900-tablet-gets-exhaustively-previewed/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-rx-51-n900-tablet-gets-exhaustively-previewed/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-rx-51-n900-tablet-gets-exhaustively-previewed/#comments Eldar Murtazin at mobile-review teased us with that shot of Nokia's RX-51 / N900 Maemo 5 tablet earlier today, and now he's back in force with a detailed preview. We're talking tons of hardware pictures and screenshots of what stands to be the standard-bearer for all Nokia devices going forward, and while we'd love to tell you all about how impressed we are with what we're seeing of Maemo 5 and how disappointed we are in the Rover's resistive touchscreen, we won't hold you back -- hit the read link and dive right in.

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Nokia's Maemo 5 RX-51 / N900 tablet gets exhaustively previewed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsinternet tabletInternetTabletlinuxmaemomaemo 5Maemo5mobilen900nokiapreviewroverrx-51tabletWed, 19 Aug 2009 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia's Maemo 5 RX-51 / N900 tablet gets exhaustively previewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-rx-51-n900-tablet-gets-exhaustively-previewed/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-rx-51-n900-tablet-gets-exhaustively-previewed/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-rx-51-n900-tablet-gets-exhaustively-previewed/#comments Eldar Murtazin at mobile-review teased us with that shot of Nokia's RX-51 / N900 Maemo 5 tablet earlier today, and now he's back in force with a detailed preview. We're talking tons of hardware pictures and screenshots of what stands to be the standard-bearer for all Nokia devices going forward, and while we'd love to tell you all about how impressed we are with what we're seeing of Maemo 5 and how disappointed we are in the Rover's resistive touchscreen, we won't hold you back -- hit the read link and dive right in.

Filed under: ,

Nokia's Maemo 5 RX-51 / N900 tablet gets exhaustively previewed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsinternet tabletInternetTabletmaemomaemo 5Maemo5n900nokiapreviewroverrx-51tabletWed, 19 Aug 2009 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia's Maemo 5 tablet shows up again, ready to play]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-tablet-shows-up-again-ready-to-play/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-tablet-shows-up-again-ready-to-play/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-tablet-shows-up-again-ready-to-play/#comments We're calling it: this N900 / Rover / whatever it's called is the best looking device yet in Nokia's Internet Tablet line, which is an encouraging thing to be able to say considering we haven't seen any ultra-polished PR shots yet. Granted, we might be influenced a little by the rumored HSPA support with voice, T-Mobile USA availability, and Maemo 5, but really, what's wrong with that?

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Nokia's Maemo 5 tablet shows up again, ready to play originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>in the wildinternet tabletInternetTabletInTheWildmaemomaemo 5Maemo5midn900nokiarovertabletWed, 19 Aug 2009 12:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia's Maemo 5 tablet shows up again, ready to play]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-tablet-shows-up-again-ready-to-play/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-tablet-shows-up-again-ready-to-play/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/19/nokias-maemo-5-tablet-shows-up-again-ready-to-play/#comments We're calling it: this N900 / Rover / whatever it's called is the best looking device yet in Nokia's Internet Tablet line, which is an encouraging thing to be able to say considering we haven't seen any ultra-polished PR shots yet. Granted, we might be influenced a little by the rumored HSPA support with voice, T-Mobile USA availability, and Maemo 5, but really, what's wrong with that?

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Nokia's Maemo 5 tablet shows up again, ready to play originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>in the wildinternet tabletInternetTabletInTheWildlinuxmaemomaemo 5Maemo5midmobilen900nokiarovertabletWed, 19 Aug 2009 12:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia RX-51 tablet captured in the wild]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/nokia-rx-51-tablet-captured-in-the-wild/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/nokia-rx-51-tablet-captured-in-the-wild/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/nokia-rx-51-tablet-captured-in-the-wild/#comments
Not long at all after that mysterious Nokia RX-51 passed through the FCC comes shots from Indonesian message board Kaskus of the tablet-like device in the wild. The blurred box shot and the label behind the battery clearly say RX-51 prototype, and the design is unmistakably similar to the rumored press photo for the Maemo 5-powered Rover from back in May. We can't help but notice the 5 megapixel Carl Zeiss lens and, more importantly, SIM card slot and an ear piece, which would be perfect for placing calls on, say, T-Mobile's network. Few more shots after the break, and hit up the read link for the gallery of photos.
[Via Mobile Bulgaria; thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Nokia RX-51 tablet captured in the wild

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Nokia RX-51 tablet captured in the wild originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsin the wildInTheWildmaemo 5Maemo5mobilenokiaroverrx 51rx-51Rx51tabletSat, 08 Aug 2009 12:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia RX-51 tablet captured in the wild]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/nokia-rx-51-tablet-captured-in-the-wild/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/nokia-rx-51-tablet-captured-in-the-wild/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/08/nokia-rx-51-tablet-captured-in-the-wild/#comments Not long at all after that mysterious Nokia RX-51 passed through the FCC comes shots from Indonesian message board Kaskus of the tablet-like device in the wild. The blurred box shot and the label behind the battery clearly say RX-51 prototype, and the design is unmistakably similar to the rumored press photo for the Maemo 5-powered Rover from back in May. We can't help but notice the 5 megapixel Carl Zeiss lens and, more importantly, SIM card slot and an ear piece, which would be perfect for placing calls on, say, T-Mobile's network. Few more shots after the break, and hit up the read link for the gallery of photos.

[Via Mobile Bulgaria; thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Nokia RX-51 tablet captured in the wild

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Nokia RX-51 tablet captured in the wild originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsin the wildInTheWildmaemo 5Maemo5nokiaroverrx 51rx-51Rx51tabletSat, 08 Aug 2009 12:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia device passes FCC for T-Mobile USA, looks an awful lot like a new Internet Tablet to us]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/07/nokia-device-passes-fcc-for-t-mobile-usa-looks-an-awful-lot-lik/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/07/nokia-device-passes-fcc-for-t-mobile-usa-looks-an-awful-lot-lik/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/07/nokia-device-passes-fcc-for-t-mobile-usa-looks-an-awful-lot-lik/#comments Every week, random, seemingly anonymous Nokia handsets quietly pick up FCC approval. Most will never see the light of day on an American carrier, and the ones that do have usually already been announced so that by the time we figure out what the FCC filing refers to, it's uninteresting. Today, though, we noticed a Nokia RX-51 get certification, and we were immediately intrigued; standard Nokia phones have an "RM" designation, so "RX" has us thinking that this is no ordinary phone. Taking a peek at the SAR documentation reveals that it rolls deep with AWS 3G, just the kind that T-Mobile USA needs to do its thing. The final piece in this amazing puzzle has to be the ID placement doc, which shows the outline of a device far wider than your standard dumbphone. Where are we going with this? You might recall MobileCrunch's information from a while back suggesting that T-Mobile USA would be getting a Maemo 5-powered superphone codenamed "Rover" -- and, well, we're pretty sure this is it. Stay tuned -- things are about to get interesting.

Nokia device passes FCC for T-Mobile USA, looks an awful lot like a new Internet Tablet to us originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsfccmaemomaemo 5Maemo5n900nokiarovert-mobilet-mobile usaT-mobileUsaFri, 07 Aug 2009 17:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia device passes FCC for T-Mobile USA, looks an awful lot like a new Internet Tablet to us]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/07/nokia-device-passes-fcc-for-t-mobile-usa-looks-an-awful-lot-lik/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/07/nokia-device-passes-fcc-for-t-mobile-usa-looks-an-awful-lot-lik/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/07/nokia-device-passes-fcc-for-t-mobile-usa-looks-an-awful-lot-lik/#comments Every week, random, seemingly anonymous Nokia handsets quietly pick up FCC approval. Most will never see the light of day on an American carrier, and the ones that do have usually already been announced so that by the time we figure out what the FCC filing refers to, it's uninteresting. Today, though, we noticed a Nokia RX-51 get certification, and we were immediately intrigued; standard Nokia phones have an "RM" designation, so "RX" has us thinking that this is no ordinary phone. Taking a peek at the SAR documentation reveals that it rolls deep with AWS 3G, just the kind that T-Mobile USA needs to do its thing. The final piece in this amazing puzzle has to be the ID placement doc, which shows the outline of a device far wider than your standard dumbphone. Where are we going with this? You might recall MobileCrunch's information from a while back suggesting that T-Mobile USA would be getting a Maemo 5-powered superphone codenamed "Rover" -- and, well, we're pretty sure this is it. Stay tuned -- things are about to get interesting.

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Nokia device passes FCC for T-Mobile USA, looks an awful lot like a new Internet Tablet to us originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsedgefccgsmhsdpalinuxmaemomaemo 5Maemo5mobilen900nokiarovert-mobilet-mobile usaT-mobileUsaumtsFri, 07 Aug 2009 17:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia N900 revealed in Nseries presentation? (Update: probably not)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/07/nokia-n900-revealed-in-nseries-presentation/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/07/nokia-n900-revealed-in-nseries-presentation/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/07/nokia-n900-revealed-in-nseries-presentation/#comments
We're not sure how we missed this, but it seems the Nokia N900 (aka "Rover") was not only mentioned, but visually detailed in some candor during an Nseries presentation way back in October of last year. If you fast forward to about the three-minute mark in this video, Nokia's next-gen, Maemo 5-powered internet tablet is seen doing its thing, and it differs in a few key details from the last leak -- most noticeably, it's got a big d-pad on the left just like its predecessor and there's no sign of an earpiece for making calls over the rumored 3G radio. In fact, it really just looks like a whited-out N810, which makes us wonder whether this isn't purely conceptual, especially considering the age of the video. Either way, the N810's aging rapidly and the territory's rapidly being encroached on by MIDs of all shapes and sizes, so we imagine we'll see this get launched soon enough -- maybe on T-Mobile USA of all carriers, if the rumors pan out. Follow the break for the full video.

[Thanks, CanisMinor]

Update: We're being told that this was little more than a student-led art project -- and it's one hell of an art project, considering that it looks every bit as slick as Nokia's official marketing. Thanks, Ryan A.!

Gallery: Nokia N900

Continue reading Nokia N900 revealed in Nseries presentation? (Update: probably not)

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Nokia N900 revealed in Nseries presentation? (Update: probably not) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internet tabletInternetTabletn900nokiaroverSun, 07 Jun 2009 13:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia N900 revealed in Nseries presentation? (Update: probably not)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/07/nokia-n900-revealed-in-nseries-presentation/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/07/nokia-n900-revealed-in-nseries-presentation/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/07/nokia-n900-revealed-in-nseries-presentation/#comments
We're not sure how we missed this, but it seems the Nokia N900 (aka "Rover") was not only mentioned, but visually detailed in some candor during an Nseries presentation way back in October of last year. If you fast forward to about the three-minute mark in this video, Nokia's next-gen, Maemo 5-powered internet tablet is seen doing its thing, and it differs in a few key details from the last leak -- most noticeably, it's got a big d-pad on the left just like its predecessor and there's no sign of an earpiece for making calls over the rumored 3G radio. In fact, it really just looks like a whited-out N810, which makes us wonder whether this isn't purely conceptual, especially considering the age of the video. Either way, the N810's aging rapidly and the territory's rapidly being encroached on by MIDs of all shapes and sizes, so we imagine we'll see this get launched soon enough -- maybe on T-Mobile USA of all carriers, if the rumors pan out. Follow the break for the full video.

[Thanks, CanisMinor]

Update: We're being told that this was little more than a student-led art project -- and it's one hell of an art project, considering that it looks every bit as slick as Nokia's official marketing. Thanks, Ryan A.!

Gallery: Nokia N900

Continue reading Nokia N900 revealed in Nseries presentation? (Update: probably not)

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Nokia N900 revealed in Nseries presentation? (Update: probably not) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edgegsmhsdpahsupahsupa1internet tabletInternetTabletlinuxmobilen900nokiaroverumtsSun, 07 Jun 2009 13:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia next-gen "Rover" tablet unveiled?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/25/nokia-next-gen-rover-tablet-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/25/nokia-next-gen-rover-tablet-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/25/nokia-next-gen-rover-tablet-unveiled/#comments
After the spec rundown this morning of the long-rumored Maemo 5 tablet from Nokia, we've now got ourselves a potential name and image to pair with the wonderful promise of 3G and OMAP3. According to this shot obtained by Cellpassion, the next-generation Internet Tablet device is taking quite a bit of an N-series turn, with that 3.5-inch WVGA screen (instead of the 4-inch display on the N810), three-row QWERTY keyboard and other refinements making this look to be much more a smartphone than a tablet -- which is presumably exactly what Nokia is going for. Naturally, we can't vouch for the source, and there are enough oddities to the image -- which seems to be gleaned from a presentation slide of some sort -- to voice caution, but if this is truly the marriage of Maemo with handset we've always dreamed of, it's going to be a little difficult to rein in our enthusiasm.

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Nokia next-gen "Rover" tablet unveiled? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 May 2009 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hsdpahsupahsupa1internet tabletInternetTabletlinuxmaemomaemo 5Maemo5mobilenokianokia roverNokiaRoverrovertabletMon, 25 May 2009 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia next-gen "Rover" tablet unveiled?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/25/nokia-next-gen-rover-tablet-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/25/nokia-next-gen-rover-tablet-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/25/nokia-next-gen-rover-tablet-unveiled/#comments
After the spec rundown this morning of the long-rumored Maemo 5 tablet from Nokia, we've now got ourselves a potential name and image to pair with the wonderful promise of 3G and OMAP3. According to this shot obtained by Cellpassion, the next-generation Internet Tablet device is taking quite a bit of an N-series turn, with that 3.5-inch WVGA screen (instead of the 4-inch display on the N810), three-row QWERTY keyboard and other refinements making this look to be much more a smartphone than a tablet -- which is presumably exactly what Nokia is going for. Naturally, we can't vouch for the source, and there are enough oddities to the image -- which seems to be gleaned from a presentation slide of some sort -- to voice caution, but if this is truly the marriage of Maemo with handset we've always dreamed of, it's going to be a little difficult to rein in our enthusiasm.

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Nokia next-gen "Rover" tablet unveiled? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 May 2009 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internet tabletInternetTabletmaemomaemo 5Maemo5nokianokia roverNokiaRoverrovertabletMon, 25 May 2009 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA unveils rock-climbing Axel Rover, slashes dirt without getting dizzy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/nasa-unveils-rock-climbing-axel-rover-slashes-dirt-without-gett/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/nasa-unveils-rock-climbing-axel-rover-slashes-dirt-without-gett/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/05/nasa-unveils-rock-climbing-axel-rover-slashes-dirt-without-gett/#comments NASA's latest toy is an oversized robotic yo-yo dubbed the Axel Rover. Developed in collaboration with Caltech, it's designed to raise and lower itself over any environment with a motorized lever that can be used for tethering as well as scooping up materials for scientific research and maneuvering its two cameras. Two more motors run each of its wheels, which should ensure it's more than equipped to traverse anything from the Garden of Eden to otherworldly terrain right next door to Hell. Check out the rover doing its thing in the video after the break

[Via Network World]

Continue reading NASA unveils rock-climbing Axel Rover, slashes dirt without getting dizzy

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NASA unveils rock-climbing Axel Rover, slashes dirt without getting dizzy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axelaxel roverAxelRoverguns n rosesGunsNRosesnasanasa roverNasaRoverroverThu, 05 Feb 2009 19:09:00 EST