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Adafruit's Limor Fried takes on the Engadget Questionnaire
Every week, a new and interesting human being tackles our decidedly geeky take on the Proustian Q&A. This is the Engadget Questionnaire. In the inaugural appearance of our questionnaire on Engadget, Adafruit founder Limor Fried opens up about her love for her Metcal MX-500 soldering station and the joys of open-source build projects. Follow us after the break for more from Limor.
Distro Issue 78: the ASUS TAICHI 21 and Turquoise Jeep's Flynt Flossy
We've seen our fair share of convertible notebooks and shape-shifting hybrids over the last several months, but one particular offering from ASUS stood out. In the latest issue of our tablet mag, we spend some quality time getting to know both faces of the TAICHI 21. Brad Molen goes in-depth with his first week back to BlackBerry while Sean Buckley discusses Nintendo's digital content issues in Forum. Eyes-On gets modular with rucksacks, Recommended Reading recalls Monster's loss of Beats by Dre and Turquoise Jeep's Flynt Flossy dances through the Q&A. That's just a few pages of another jam-packed edition, so pull up a cozy seat and download your copy via that weekly link of choice. Distro Issue 78 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 77 hits the road with the Tesla Model S
In April of 2011, we spent some time in the driver's seat of the Tesla Roadster 2.5 Sport. Its throttle response and dashing good looks earned high marks, but the range anxiety left a bit to be desired. Now it's the winter of 2013, and in the latest issue of our weekly, we settle in behind the wheel of the Model S to determine if Tesla's refined offering has the chops to lead the EV fleet. Of course, these vehicles need a place to recharge, so Eyes-On visits one of the aforementioned outfit's Superchargers that look to make roadtrips a reality for electric vehicles. Aside from the automotive features, OUYA devs sound off on the pros and cons of the console while we put both the HP Spectre XT TouchSmart and Microsoft's Surface Pro through their respective paces. There's much more than we can pack into a single paragraph, so visit your weekly access link to grab a copy. Distro Issue 77 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
The Highs and Lows of Human-Powered Flight
On March 19th 2012, YouTube user jarnosmeets80 uploaded a video to YouTube entitled "Flying like a bird | part 14/14." In it, a man donning a set of homemade wings and a helmet with a GoPro attached achieves what many wishful-thinkers, scientists and millennia of wingless bipeds have long dreamed of doing: flying. Sadly, one month later the video's creator, filmmaker Floris Kaayk, admitted the whole thing was an elaborate hoax. Skeptics will have been quick to dismiss the video straight away, and anything more than a cursory Google search might have convinced most of the same. But, with more than 7 million views at time of this writing, it's pretty clear that as a land-based species, it doesn't take much for us to suspend our disbelief at the idea of being able to fly. Even if it is just for one minute and 50 seconds. Head past the break to read more.
Distro Issue 76: Will a duo of phones and a new OS bring BlackBerry back to life?
After delays and a software preview, RIM BlackBerry finally pulled the wraps off of it's new hardware and operating system that we'd been looking for the end of January to bring. In this week's edition of our e-publication, we take a look at all of the wares that the Canadian company unveiled in order to determine if it's enough to reinvent the outfit. We also rundown the history of the unit formally known as Research in Motion to paint a complete picture of the road leading up to this week's proceedings. Of course, there's more than just BlackBerry stuffs to peruse. Hands-On visits NAMM 2013, Weekly Stat tallies up earnings season and we get cozy with the Pebble Smartwatch. There's plenty of time for a bit of weekend reading, so head to your favorite repository to snag the goods. Distro Issue 76 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 75 arrives with a look at the history of human-powered flight
Ever wanted to take off and soar the friendly skies powered by nothing more than a little good old fashioned elbow grease? You're not alone. In the latest issue of our weekly, we survey the history of human-powered flight from 6th century China right up to Red Bull's Flugtag aerial leaps. Review houses our in-depth impressions of both the HP Envy x2 hybrid and the Pantech Discover while IRL returns with yet another look at our personal gadget habits. Eyes-On visually oogles Orange Amps' OPC, Weekly Stat tallies Instagram's user numbers and Adafruit's Limor Fried gets cozy with the Q&A. Strap yourself into your pedal-powered airship or comfy reading chair of choice and get to downloading via the usual sources that reside just below. Distro Issue 75 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 74: The CES 2013 wrap-up and the fight for the second screen
Now that we're all back to the normal grind outside of the confines of a double-wide trailer, it's time to reflect on the last week's events in chilly Las Vegas. In a return to weekly installments of our tablet mag, we recall the high points of CES 2013 with a look at the battle surrounding second screen tech. We also discuss of all of the Ultra HD news and rundown the Best in Show items in all of the major categories. Eyes-On takes a gander at QNX's Bentley, Hands-On wraps the final two days from the show floor and travel photographer Austin Mann visits for the Q&A. The end of another week is here, friends, so grab your device of choice and cozy up for an extra helping of leisurely gadget reading. Distro Issue 74 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro's CES 2013 Daily Issue 73.4 is out and so are we
We're cracking up over here -- literally. It's our sixth day of coverage live from CES and the long hours and lack of daylight are playing tricks on us. While the working conditions have not been kind, the news is an entirely different story. We've seen more, written more and generally dived deeper into the bowels of CES to bring you this, our final CES 2013 Daily. Now please excuse us while we curl up in a collective ball and rock gently back and forth until the screaming stops. Distro Issue 73.4 PDFDistro in the iTunes App StoreDistro in the Google Play StoreDistro in the Windows StoreDistro APK (for sideloading)Like Distro on FacebookFollow Distro on Twitter
Distro's CES 2013 Daily Issue 73.3 has arrived!
Three, two, one... Contact! We've reached a heightened level of delirium here at Engadget HQ -- this being our eighth day since touch down -- but we've saved just enough of our sanity to bring you the third issue of Distro's CES 2013 Daily. In it you'll find a DJing baby, Motorhead's Lemmy and even a few must-see gadgets from the show floor and beyond. Distro Issue 73.3 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro's CES 2013 Daily Issue 73.2: 4K TVs, celebrity sightings and a giant robotic spider
With calluses forming on our fingertips as we pound away at our well-worn keyboards, we bring you the second installation of Distro's CES 2013 Daily. Our eyes may be having a hard time focusing on the real world, what with all of the 4K displays we've been staring at, but there's plenty more to see in this issue than the UHD screens that have dominated this year's show. We'll keep it short, but leave you with this to whet your appetite: giant robotic spiders! Distro Issue 73.2 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro's CES 2013 Daily Issue 73.1 is hot off the digital press
Today may be the official first day of the rest of our lives CES, but we've already seen plenty of touchscreen laptops and UHD TVs. We've run ourselves ragged, covering every last bit of news worth your time, but we understand not everyone has the wherewithal to read every last post we've published since Sunday night. So, in the interest of keeping you informed (and entertained) we present to you issue 73.1, our very first Distro CES 2013 Daily, published from our trailer at the biggest gadget show on Earth. For more from the madhouse, check back tomorrow for version 73.2. Distro Issue 73.1 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 72: The CES 2013 preview
After a week off to take advantage of the holidays, the Distro crew is back in action. In the latest issue of our tablet mag, we run down all of the major categories with a preview of what our editors expect to see -- or not see -- when CES cranks up in a few days. On top of that, Eyes-On has a look at a Lomography panoramic camera, Hands-On offers impressions on some of the latest gadgetry and tech writer Taylor Hatmaker drops by for the Q&A. Once the annual Las Vegas tech madness gets started next week, we'll be publishing daily issues of this e-publication beginning Tuesday, January 8th to keep you up to speed with all of the happenings in the desert. Arriving just in time for the events, our Windows 8 Distro app is now available and can be procured like its Android and iOS counterparts, via the download links below. Distro Issue 72 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro in the Windows Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 71 arrives with a look back at the year in tech
We have survived the dreaded apocalypse for the time being, but the year's end is right around the corner. As CES looms on the horizon, it's nearly time to look ahead to an entirely fresh slate of new gadgetry. To usher in 2013 in proper fashion, our weekly takes a look back at the major happenings of 2012 along with insight from a few of our editors. But that's not all. We also count down the top 10 CrapGadgets of the year and compile the best CE-Oh No He Didn't mudslingin' of the last 365 days. Eyes-On visually fondles the MakerBot Replicator 2, Recommended Reading gets Netflixed, and director / photographer Timothy Saccenti stops over for the Q&A. Jump down below to grab a copy of your very own, as a truckload of reminiscing is but a few clicks away. Distro Issue 71 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 70 arrives with a look at wearable computing and the history behind Google Glass
The first wearable "augmentations" span from the 11th and 12th centuries all the way up to Google's side project that has built a ton of momentum this year. In the cover story of this week's issue of our e-magazine, we take a look at Google Glass and the timeline of wearable computing that's led us to this point. Eyes-On keeps up the theme while taking a gander at Garmin's Fenix and we offer up an in-depth review of the second coming of Jawbone's UP. If that's not enough, the brains behind the Pebble smartwatch, Eric Migicovsky, submits his responses to the Q&A. Unfortunately, this issue isn't wearable itself, but all of the usual download links are ready to meet your swipes and clicks just down below. Distro Issue 70 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 69: Can David Marcus fix PayPal's reputation?
It's no secret that PayPal has had its fair share of speed bumps, but can a change in leadership help usher in a new era? The online payment outfit's new president, David Marcus, seeks to do just that and we offer a look at said task inside our weekly. As far as full-length reviews are concerned, we put both the Galaxy S III Mini and Acer's $199 Chromebook through their respective paces. IRL is back with another look at our personal gadget stash, Recommended Reading examines the Lytro and The Almost's Jon Thompson takes a run at the Q&A. The requisite download links reside below, leaving you mere clicks away from some relaxing weekend e-reading. Distro Issue 69 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 68: PC game designers and the quest for compatibility
Well friends, the week's end brings with it an issue of our tablet mag that's hot off the digital presses. PC gaming nabs the cover story this time out as we take a look at the task of insuring compatibility across a set of devices that adds customized models constantly. If full-length gadget reviews are what you're after, we put the Lenovo ThinkPad Twist, Kindle Fire HD 8.9 4G LTE and Nintendo Wii U through their paces. Will.i.am's latest venture hits Hands-On, Oakley's high-tech eyewear occupies Eyes-On and Weekly Stat tracks holidays on Instagram. Visit your preferred reading repository to grab a copy before settling in for some weekend R&R. Distro Issue 68 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
What's Past is Prologue: a look inside the future of Lockheed Martin
I receive a terse invite from Lockheed Martin that asks me to take a "glimpse into the future," but it doesn't mention whose future it is. I could write about what I know of the American defense contractor on the back of a postage stamp, but a cursory Google search fills in some of the blanks. The company reportedly receives around 7 percent of the US military budget on its own - and with that, my imagination runs rampant about what I'm likely to see. Dreaming of playing with laser pistols, intelligent cyborgs and giant robots, I tell them I'm coming. A few days later, I turn up at the Honourable Artillery Company in London's glitzy financial district, a miniature castle that's dwarfed by the gleaming skyscrapers that surround it. In a way, the landscape is telling, since the occupants of those buildings can shoulder some of the blame for the current financial crisis - while across the street, Lockheed Martin is preparing its cost-cutting response. Two hulking vehicles guard the entrance off a small courtyard, and through a window I see a plush room full of red velvet and leather, stuffed with computers and pensive, well-dressed operators. I wonder if I'm being vetted as I amble inside, my now-sodden socks and matted hair marking me out as unthreatening -- just as long as I promise not to get out my camera. As I'm ushered inside and the tour begins, I'm expecting to see jetpacks and robots, but the reality is much different. Not even this industry is immune to the world's financial problems, and my tour would reveal that its future lies decidedly in our past.
Distro Issue 67: Weird science and strange medicine with bestselling author Mary Roach
While some of us prepare to spend a bulk of the day sampling a smorgasbord of festive culinary delicacies, we here at Engadget HQ would like to offer all of you a brand new issue of our tablet mag a wee bit early. Snagging top billing this time out is a glimpse at the scientific oddities and other peculiar discoveries that make up the world of bestselling author Mary Roach. On the review front, we get cozy with Samsung's Galaxy Camera, Lenovo's IdeaPad Yoga 13 and HTC's Droid DNA before offering our in-depth analysis of all three. Eyes-On takes a peek at mice for the serious gamer, Rec Reading looks at the role of technology in the Obama campaign and photographer Ryan Russell stops by for the Q&A. Go ahead and snag your copy now, because you'll definitely need something to look forward to after surviving all of those Black Friday sales. Distro Issue 67 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 66 is here with the Engadget holiday gift guide!
If you've yet to compile a wish list of your own, or begin to cross names off of that dreaded shopping list, the latest edition of our weekly is primed to lend a hand with both of those tasks. In this issue, we've compiled over 100 devices and other wares that are sure to bring a bit of joy to the holiday season. In addition to the aforementioned collection, Eyes-On ogles a high-end AirPlay speaker, Visualized tracks election results and Box Brown returns to remind us of the horrors of holiday shopping. There's literally a ton of gadget goodness this time out, so grab a copy via the usual methods to start perusing. Distro Issue 66 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
Distro Issue 65 arrives with the Jelly Bean-wielding Nexus 4 and Nexus 10
Like its Golden State neighbors, Google also had a gadget arsenal to unveil this fall. The folks in Mountain View trotted out the latest duo, the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10, without a huge press event a few days ago. In this week's issue of our tablet mag, we put these Android advocates through their paces to see if they live up to the Nexus moniker. We also offer in-depth musings on the WP8-packing Nokia 920 and visit Lockheed Martin to catch a glimpse of how that outfit is prepping for the future with the help of aging tech. Military-style rucksacks occupy Eyes-On, Visualized is all about cosmic self-portraits and M.C. Schmidt of Matmos handles the Q&A. Consult your link of choice to grab your copy and settle in for some end-of-the-week tech reading. Distro Issue 65 PDF Distro in the iTunes App Store Distro in the Google Play Store Distro APK (for sideloading) Like Distro on Facebook Follow Distro on Twitter
