Weekends with Engadget: Apple buys Beats, LG unveils the G3 and more!
This week we watched Apple buy Beats for $3 billion, explored the inspiration behind the newly-announced LG G3, learned about Samsung's new partnership with Oculus VR, investigated the benefits of solar energy and much more. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last seven days. Oh, and be sure to subscribe to our Flipboard magazine!
With Beats, Apple faces the music
Music streaming is on the rise, but it's still a largely untested source of revenue. So, is Apple's acquisition of Beats guaranteed to turn a profit, or have Cook and Co. purchased a very expensive business lesson?
LG's G3 flagship is a bigger, simpler, higher-res smartphone
This week, LG announced the G3, and yes, it is equipped with a beautiful 5.5-inch Quad HD display and laser autofocusing feature. What's more, we managed to go hands-on with the handset. So click on through for our impressions and photos.
Samsung is working with Oculus on a media-focused VR headset
Yep, Samsung's building its own VR headset, and with a little help from Oculus VR. But rather than have its own screen, Sammy's device will use your smartphone as the display instead, commandeering the handset's processor for tracking functionality.
What's on tap for Apple at WWDC 2014
WWDC 2014, Apple's yearly developer conference is right around the corner and the speculation is heating up, especially regarding Apple's supposed entry into home automation. Lucky for you, we've put together a handy collection of our own expectations for the June 2nd event. Enjoy!
Samsung Chromebook 2 review: A $400 laptop never looked so good
Chromebooks are gaining steam, and the Samsung Chromebook 2 is no exception. Sure, it's got a bit of Sammy's pseudo-leather on top, but don't let that fool you. Between its fantastic trackpad, HD display and sturdy keyboard, the Chromebook 2 packs the best Chrome OS experience on the market.
Inside LG's G3: How vacuums, focus groups and competitive pressure shaped a smartphone
The LG G3 doesn't just have the nicest display on the market, it's got an ultra-fast autofocusing laser sensor -- all thanks to a coffee break with the company's vacuum experts. Read on as our own Brad Molen investigates the inspiration behind the company's most powerful smartphone yet.
Old console, new tricks: Getting the most out of your Wii
Be honest. It's been a while since you last dusted off your Wii and engaged in a match of Mario Power Tennis, hasn't it? Not to worry, we've got a few tricks to help you rekindle your relationship with the 10-year-old console.
What you need to know about solar energy
Most of us realize the basic benefits of harvesting solar power, but did you know it was the second leading source of new energy last year? Even still, many argue as to the efficiency of the technology. Continue reading to learn all you need to know about the business of the sun.
Extreme exposure: Inside GoPro's burgeoning media empire
GoPro doesn't want to simply build a camera to capture thrilling close-calls and daredevil stunts; it wants to be a media empire. Read on as our own James Trew investigates how the company aims to transform athletes into viral video creators.
The US Air Force's oldest bomber is now a flying network
The B-52 bomber is one of the most reliable aircraft ever designed, but at over 50 years old, it seems an upgrade is in order. Now outfitted with a modernized communications system called CONECT, the B-52 plans to keep on truckin' in this era of real-time data transmission.
