Electronics

Google Inc., which has been working on software to help major automakers build self-driving cars, also is quietly going around them by designing and developing a full-fledged self-driving car, according to people familiar with the matter. In recent months, Google has held talks with contract manufacturers to build new cars to Google’s specifications, said the Continue Reading →

I’m wearing a Jawbone UP bracelet, have a Withings Pulse in my pocket, a WS-50 Withings scale in the bathroom, a Withings blood pressure cuff by my bed, I walk every day with a Polar Bluetooth Heart Monitor strapped to my chest, log every morsel of food I put into my body and I’m correlating Continue Reading →

A turntable! Lasers! MakerBot opened preorders for its Digitizer 3D scanner today,  revealing it will cost $1,400 and ship in mid-October. Objects are placed on a rotating turntable. The scanner uses a camera and two laser to generate hundreds of thousands of data points that are turned into a 3D digital file. The entire process Continue Reading →

Microsoft’s plan to battle Google in the classroom is launching on Wednesday. Bing for Schools is a new ad-free version of Microsoft’s search service that includes strict filtering and privacy protections designed for schools. The pilot kicks off with 800,000 students in a number of US schools today, with plans to extend it elsewhere for Continue Reading →

It’s been leaked for a while, but TiVo just officially announced the Roamio DVR lineup, which replaces the Premiere. it’s a hefty set of upgrades: all the new models feature a faster processor, at least four tuners, an RF remote, a reworked Netflix app that’s much faster, and support for the DIAL protocol used in Continue Reading →

Two months ago, Barnes & Noble announced that it will stop manufacturing Nook tablets itself and instead seek partnerships with third-party manufacturers to build a co-branded line of tablets. The company is rethinking its stance, however, perhaps as a result of a change at the top. Last month, CEO William Lynch resigned and Michael Huseby Continue Reading →

Apple has asked assembler Hon Hai Precision Industry to begin shipping both a new high-end and low-end iPhone in early September, people familiar with the matter said. The shipping plans suggest that two new iPhone models could be launched as soon as next month, pointing to a strategy shift as Apple attempts to regain its Continue Reading →

On September 4, Samsung is widely expected to debut the Galaxy Note 3 and possibly a smartwatch called the Galaxy Gear. Introducing a product isn’t the same as offering it for sale, however, so how long will consumers have to wait for the new products? Not long suggests one site. SamMobile, which generally has good Continue Reading →

KGI’s often reliable Mingchi Kuo is out with his latest Apple Watch forecast with some interesting new info. His latest findings: Components and EMS of the new iPhones will be ready for ramp-up in August and September, respectively. Hon Hai begins manufacturing the TDD-LTE-supported iPhone 5C earlier than expected in August. TDD-LTE supporting models may Continue Reading →

The maker of the popular Beats by Dr. Dre headphones is looking to buy out its Asian partner and bring in a new investor that can provide it with fresh funds for growth, people familiar with the matter said. The moves come as the founders of Beats Electronics LLC—music mogul Jimmy Iovine and American hip-hop Continue Reading →