Dante Cesa

Contributing Editor

Introducing Dante to the command line at age four would prove to be a fatal mistake in the then serene and quiet lives of his parents. What would initially stem from subtle curiosity, not long would pass before his gadget lust would develop into full-blown obsession. But an extreme desire to tinker would, of course, be matched with consequences: countless hours of his childhood were spent with fdisk and restoring computers with tape backups, or a string of awkward calls to carrier's customer service attempting to explain astronomical charges from a very, very, long WAP data call. Returning to the US for college, Dante would eventually settle in San Francisco, writing for Engadget by day and being an Objective-C ninja by night.

Articles by Dante Cesa

iOS 5.1 beta 3 appears on developer iPhone, available only OTA? (update: live on ADC)
It's been a while since the last beta, but per a screenshot sent in by a tipster, Apple's already begun pushing iOS 5.1 beta 3 to development iOS devices. The 77.4MB update curiously isn't live on Apple's developer website just yet (see update), but when it lands we'll hopefully gleam more than "bug fixes and improvements." Update: Per MacRumors, the build in question is 9B5141a and restores the 3G toggle absent on the iPhone 4S. Update 2: It's live on the developer portal. [Thanks, Justin]
Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept is an electric bug that wants to go fast
The new new Beetle might have gotten more macho in its latest incarnation, but that didn't stop Volkswagen from upping the ante with the E-Bugster Concept. Don't let those serious looks fool you, as its wielding a comparatively anemic electric drivetrain donated from the upcoming Blue-e-emotion Golf. That's 114 horses tasked with hauling a 695 pound lithium-ion derrière, which in its hatchback donor took a languid 11 seconds to hit 60MPH. It's got respectable range though, as it'll roam for nearly 100 miles before requiring a 120, 240 or 400V tether -- with the latter replenishing 80 percent of its battery in a scant 30 minutes. That kind of onboard choice we like, but next time lets withhold the visual drama unless we really mean business. Okay?
OnStar announces 'closed' API, developers welcome to apply
Tonight OnStar's pulled back the curtain just a tad, revealing it'll soon allow pre-approved third parties to build "apps" atop its platform. While the closed API won't launch until later, at CES the telematics service announced its first partner: RelayRides -- a peer-to-peer car sharing service that enables OnStar owners to rent their cars to strangers for as low as $5. Access to the API allows those renting using RelayRides' app to remotely unlock reserved cars, all from their smartphone. It'll be one of many to go live in 2012, so devs with a knack for the next big thing ought to peep the PR after the break.
Ford unveils Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, alongside gas and regular hybrid variants
It might not be a full EV like last year's Focus Electric, but that doesn't mean you should count the 2013 Fusion out. All-new and packed to the gills with gadgetry like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, it's notable for being offered in gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Efficiency for the mid-sized sedan ranges from 26MPG city and 37MPG highway in the gasoline burner all the way to 47MPG city and 44MPG highway for the lithium-ion toting hybrids. And for the Fusion Energi plug-in, it'll rock an estimated 100MPGe -- 7MPGe better than the Volt and 13MPGe better than the Prius plug-in, despite being larger than either. It'll also roam electrically for 20 miles before firing up its engine, and like the Prius equivalent it'll accelerate all the way up to 62MPH on battery power alone. On the infotainment side you're looking at the latest, more-simple version of MyFord Touch, naturally paired with SYNC. And just like the Focus Electric or C-MAX Energi, charging, heating and cooling can all be controlled remotely with MyFord Mobile. No word on price, but Ford says it'll show up in stateside showrooms, later this year. As for curious Europeans in the crowd, Ford says much of the design carries over to next year's Mondeo. We'll get our drive-on hands-on shortly, but PR and a gallery await after the break.
Samsung's inTouch brings 'Apps' like Skype and a browser to your TV
If you've tasked Sammy with stalking your progeny and your house, what's another camera ontop of your TV? Samsung's inTouch is just that, running a skinned version of Android 2.3, stuffed with WiFi, HDMI and a 3 megapixel camera. The combination of which enables apps like Skype, YouTube, and a web browser to be fed to your boob tube. Controlled by a QWERTY remote, it'll be yours for $199 come March. For those interested, we've embedded PR after the break.
Samsung introduces WiFi SmartCam and video baby monitor (update: hands-on!)
For those keen on observing from afar, Samsung's just unveiled two WiFi surveillance cameras. Both can easily be paired with routers that support WPS and offer remote tracking from Sammy's SmartCam website. That video feed is 640 x 480 at 30fps and encoded in H.264. Alternatively on the WiFi SmartCam, footage can automatically be uploaded to YouTube based on predefined activity. And both'll survey in complete darkness thanks to built-in infrared -- up to a few meters at least. Catch either in March when they go on sale for a cool $149. PR, per usual is after the break.Dana Murph and Daniel Cooper contributed to this post.
Netflix close to signing deals with Sony, Disney, Paramount and ITV, to debut in the UK soon? (update: pricing pegged at £5.99/month, website live)
Those with a PS3 in the United Kingdom might have gotten a sneak peek at a placeholder, but according to The Guardian, apparently its proper "early 2012" launch isn't far off. Purportedly the video streaming service is close to signing rights to content from Sony, Disney and Paramount, which'll join existing agreements with Lionsgate, Miramax and MGM. But it isn't just studios, as Channel 4 and ITV are supposedly close to joining the UK bash as-well. If everything goes to plan, most of the British Isles will be treated to an ad campaign that'll reveal all next week. Game on, Lovefilm. Update: Well, it looks like we don't have to wait until next week for all of those details after all. Some Google ads have now started appearing in searches for Netflix that peg the price at £5.99 per month (or about $9), and also confirm that the service is headed to the Wii and Xbox 360 in addition to the PS3. Unfortunately, that netflix.com/UK page isn't functional just yet. Update 2: Looks like the UK website is live for many, confirming the Google ad pricing. Check it out after the break. [Thanks, Chris, James]
Sony Bloggie on the CES show floor?
Well hello there little guy. Sent in by a tipster and purportedly from the CES show floor, what you're gazing at looks an awful lot like something from Sony's Bloggie line. The silver pocket camcorder doesn't look like any model we've ever seen before, but boasts "Live Broadcasting," a WiFi certification and support for FaceBook and YouTube. It's also about the size of a Niagara water bottle. Won't be too long until we find out for sure.
Ford to open R&D lab in Silicon Valley come 2012, wants to be closer to the action
Following in the footsteps of Verizon and AT&T, it's now Ford's turn to open up its very own research center here in Silicon Valley. A prudent choice too, as Dearborn's become more invested in advanced infotainment, not to mention bonafide smartphone apps. Slated to open in the first quarter of 2012, it reckons the center will help "prepare [Ford] for the next 100 years" as it scouts out new technologies and partnerships with local startups and universities alike. Mum's the word on exactly where the new R&D lab will reside, but those interested can learn more about it and its sister facilities -- whom Ford lovingly dubs its "innovation network" -- in the PR after the break.
New Fujifilm camera pictures leak, shooter scheduled for CES debut?
Well, well, have a look at what the proverbial internet cat dragged in. The image above comes to you via Japanese forum, giving us a pretty good idea of what is allegedly Fujifilm's next interchangeable lens camera. Following in the footsteps of the retro-looking X10 and the X100, not much is known about the shooter's specs, but we'd venture that it probably isn't full-frame. Guess it won't take too long to find out, as the grapevine also muses its proper reveal will happen at CES. Too frothy to wait until then? Well, hop on past the break where we've conveniently culled an old mockup for ya.
White Epic 4G Touch to grace Sprint come January, proves your wildest dreams can come true
If you thought Sprint was going to let T-Mobile and AT&T be the only US carriers to offer white Galaxy S IIs, think again. Per Sprintfeed is a supposed internal memo pegging the carrier's bleached variant of the GSII for January 8th, 2012. For those keeping score at home, that'll be nearly a month after T-Mo, and a good six months after we first caught wind of the unicorn. Frothing at the sentiment? Better think long and hard, as there's bound to be something equally lust worthy at an upcoming trade show.
Jawbone Up refunds start rolling out, feel free to keep your bricked band (or not)
Not entirely satisfied with that Jawbone Up purchase? Well, plebes, if you also applied for the "no questions asked" refund, you ought to check your inbox. A reader of Wireless Goodness has received a confirmation (as seen above) that greenbacks from their purchase are inbound. For those of you who forgot to file that claim, peep the more coverage link below. Everyone else, might we humbly suggest our review?
Verizon experiencing nationwide data outage? (update: Verizon confirms)
That phone on Big Red having problems with data? Apparently you're not alone, as the carrier appears to be having issues again judging by the metric ton of emails we've gotten from you experiencing LTE, and in some cases EV-DO, blackouts across the country. Our Galaxy Nexus in New York is chugging along with 1xRTT while a Thunderbolt in Washington DC is doing just fine with EV-DO. We've just pinged Verizon and will update if we hear back. Update: Verizon wrote in with the following statement: We are investigating reports of some customers experiencing trouble accessing the 4GLTE network. The network itself continues to operate and all customers continue to be able to make calls, send text messages and utilize data services. 3G devices are operating normally. Update 2: And it's back. Both our our Droid RAZR and Rezound are getting LTE goodness here in chilly San Francisco. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
AT&T completes acquisition of Qualcomm's FLO TV spectrum
It's only been five days since it's gotten the official go ahead, but AT&T's wasted no time in completing its acquisition of a swath of 700MHz spectrum from Qualcomm. Those airwaves, which formerly powered FLO TV, were purchased for a cool $1.9 billion and will now be repurposed to bolster Ma Bell's LTE network. It might not have been everything the carrier had hoped for, but some additional spectrum is better than none, right? Possibly the shortest press release you'll ever see awaits after the break.
Smart Fortwo EV gets delayed until September, 'unspecified problems' to blame
Bad news for those of you waiting on that updated Smart EV. The faster and longer-lasting third generation city-dweller previously scheduled for delivery in "early 2012," has just been delayed until September. According to Daimler, the culprit is "unspecified problems" at battery cell provider, Li-Tec. But before jumping to explosive conclusions, the auto maker quips there aren't any "technical or quality problems with the batteries." Curious, yet also a bummer, as frankly, a $22,000 EV with 87 miles of range couldn't come soon enough.
Kia's Ray EV hasn't heard about aerodynamics, sets out to defy naysayers in Korea
That boxy thing up there? That's Kia's Ray EV, and apparently Korea's first mass produced electric vehicle. Looks-wise it's probably not the Hyundai i10 re-badge you were expecting, but that doesn't mean you should count the rectangular Soul-inspired city dweller out. With a range of 86 miles from its 16.4 kWh lithium-ion pack, it'll take six hours to charge over 220 volts or alternatively 25 minutes with an undisclosed fast-charger. Kia also says its electric motor has a "best in segment" efficiency rating, which at 93 percent sounds plausible. What isn't however, is the claim it's also "brisk," which is at odds with the lethargic 15.9 seconds it'll take to go from 0-62MPH. Undeterred by its languid persona and unconventional looks? Better start packing those bags, as the first 2,500 are going to the South Korean government. More shots await at the source.
Nokia ready to start shipping Lumias to Launchpad developers
Things were a lot less clear back in early 2011 when Nokia announced it would abandon its burning platform for Windows Phone 7. Amidst that uncertainty, Espoo pledged to give select developers an E7 as well as a mystery device running Redmond's bits in the near future. The company's now making good on the latter part of that promise, informing those registered under its Launchpad program that their gratis hardware is ready to ship. Kindly forwarded by a tipster is email proof (seen after the break), which in non-redacted form would provide instructions for procuring a complimentary Lumia 800. Previous whispers suggested the Lumia 710 will also be part of the scheme, so your mileage may vary. Still, a free handset is better than none -- or at the very least a Nokla, right? [Thanks, Jota]
Nuance gobbles up Vlingo, yearns to transcribe its own announcement
Apparently, if you can't (legally) beat them, you buy them. Such is the thinking over at Nuance, who has decided to acquire its competitor and former courtroom dance partner, Vlingo. Should make for some nice additions to the former's voice recognition tubes -- technology which powers everything from Apple's Siri, Dragon dictation and even various autos. No indications as to how many greenbacks exchanged hands, but the newlyweds were happy to boast their "complementary research and development efforts" will result in a company "stronger together than alone." We'll have to see about that. PR after the break.
Apple acquired NeXT 15 years ago, Jean-Louis Gassée still dreaming of what could've been
It might be hard to picture now, but back in the mid-nineties, the threat of bankruptcy was very real for a company headquartered in Cupertino. That would all change with the purchase of NeXT on December 20, 1996 -- a move that gave the fledgling computer maker a modern OS, but more importantly brought one of its founders, Steve Jobs, back into the fold. The rest is history, as Jobs eventually secured the helm, forming a team that would go on to birth products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad. But hardware innovation aside, ultimately that comeback wouldn't have been possible without OS X -- an OS which arose directly out of the ashes of NextStep. Sure, there was the occasional misstep along the way -- G4 Cube and hockey-puck mouse be damned -- but frankly we can't think of any turnaround as epic, nor relevant. Can you?
Swivl intros companion iPhone app, we make sweet video with it
Sure, when we first encountered the device formerly known as Satarii Star it may have been a pipe dream in dire need of funding (and frankly a better name), but after playing with the company's latest Swivl prototype we can confirm it's very much real and honestly, pretty darn cool. For those unaware, the $159 "dock" of sorts, rotates whatever you stuff into it a full 360-degrees all while chasing a portable marker. New today, is an accompanying iPhone app that can remotely trigger recording from the marker all while including other niceties like the ability to lock focus during capture. So how did we get along with our limited time with the startup's latest prototype? Hop on past the break to find out. %Gallery-142160%%Gallery-142167%

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