The NSA has collected 'millions' of faces from the web

The NSA isn't just interested in pure communications intelligence like call records; it wants to look for faces, too. Documents leaked by Edward Snowden reveals that the NSA has been using facial recognition software to scan the internet for...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1rwuVEp

Feedback Loop: WWDC predictions, Dropcam Pro impressions and more!

Ring in the weekend with the latest edition of Feedback Loop. Apple's WWDC kicks off on Monday and we try to predict what will be announced, share impressions of the Dropcam Pro, discuss the viability of DIY data storage, talk about our favorite task...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1ofjmM7

Leak hints the Galaxy S5 Mini will keep its bigger sibling's sensors

While many have been expecting Samsung to launch a mini version of the Galaxy S5 given the company's past habits, there have been questions about just what the smartphone would include. Would it be as hobbled as last year's S4 Mini? Maybe not....



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1nR6g9F

Head of Intel's former internet TV project abandons ship

When Intel formally abandoned its IPTV project in a sale to Verizon, the team behind it transitioned as part of the deal. Now, only four months later, the man who's been in charge of the venture all along has washed his hands of it, too. Erik...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1u2Akko

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...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1hKvMro

The Big Picture: Exploring the deep blue in a wearable submarine

Developed and built by Nuytco Research, this exosuit is made from hard metal and allows divers to operate safely down to a depth of 1000 feet. The suit has four 1.6 horsepower propulsion thrusters, fiber optic gigabit ethernet, and a host of...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1odqFUH

Meet NASA's commercial space capsule contenders

Sure, the Dragon V2 is the latest (and greatest) spacecraft from SpaceX, but it's not the only capsule that may one day schlep astronauts to the International Space Station. In fact, Elon Musk's firm is just one of three private outfits currently...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1mVZG0s

Recommended Reading: Beer genetics and Kinect physical therapy

Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. Strange Brews: The Genes...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/RP4I3b

Oppo's N1 mini makes iPhones look tiny

The N1 isn't exactly a household name, so allow us to refresh your memory: it's a CyanogenMod phone with a selfie-friendly swivel camera made by Chinese manufacturer Oppo. Well, its creator just announced a mini version of the device -- except it's...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1oGfCH8

MIT project transforms selfies into pro-style portraits

As it stands, you can spice up your selfies with Instagram filters and other edits before beaming to the interwebs. But what about making a truly compelling smartphone self-portrait? Well, a team of researchers from MIT -- alongside folks from Adobe...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1oboFw5

LG's G3 is surprisingly repairable for a smartphone

LG's new G3 has some impressive internals, but just how impressive can't be seen until you take the thing apart. That's just what the folks at UBreakIFix did: they got their collective hands on a newly released Korean G3 and couldn't seem to help...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1nNk30G

Nokia's Here Maps acquires an AI firm to build you a virtual travel agent

Ever used Nokia's Here Maps on your Windows Phone? If so, you'll agree the platform has an impressively comprehensive vault of travel data to pull from. Today, the Finnish company hopes to make said data more personal by acquiring Desti, a...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1gObEtr

Windows Phone now lets you browse your files

You no longer have to go searching app-by-app to find a buried file on your Windows Phone. Right on schedule, Microsoft has released its Files app; if you're running Windows Phone 8.1, you can now dig through folders to open and manipulate documents...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1gO4m93

'BioShock' series lives on with help from the second game's dev team

The news that BioShock and BioShock Infinite developer Irrational Games was winding down was a punch to the gut for many last year, but it turns out there is a bit of silver lining. The franchise will live on with developer 2K Marin, the studio that...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1lZtfec

E.T. and other Atari games rescued from New Mexico landfill to be sold

At this point some 1,377 game cartridges for the Atari 2600 have been rescued from the New Mexico landfill where they were unceremoniously dumped over 30 years ago. Of those, 700 will be appraised, certified and eventually sold, some of which will...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1nMNCzI

Engadget Daily: Apple's dev conference, Samsung's VR headset and more!

Today, we watched Samsung announce it's building a VR headset with Oculus VR, dissected rumors surrounding WWDC 2014, took Samsung's Chromebook 2 for a test run and investigated the technology behind holograms. Read on for Engadget's news highlights...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1wCIylu

FCC considers improving its definition of broadband to a video-friendly 10Mbps

The FCC last set its definition of broadband as 4Mbps downstream, and 1Mbps upstream. That was fine for 2010, but it's arguably outdated in 2014 -- you can't reliably stream HD video or host high-quality video chats on that kind of connection. The...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1oT5KHJ

It's official: Steve Ballmer is buying the LA Clippers for $2 billion

The papers are signed and the deal is done (pending approval by the NBA's Board of Governors). Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer really is buying the LA Clippers (you can say LA Clippys, once) for $2 billion, ow that the NBA, owner Donald Sterling's...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1gLmksA

Austin, get ready... Engadget Live is coming!

We've heard that it's going to be hot in Austin on June 20th. Sure, one could say that's just a typical June day in Austin, but we'd like to think it's because we're coming to town. Our Engadget Live series kicks off at 7PM at the famous Austin Music...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1oSTFCr

Twitter abandons one of humanity's most widely used fonts

The next time you visit Twitter.com things may look a little different, now that the site is rolling out a new font. After years of using Helvetica, it's switching to the Gotham typeface. Already, design and typography fans are expressing dismay at...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1hH3mP9

Tune in to our liveblog of Apple's WWDC keynote Monday!

Get ready to put on your Sunday best, kids -- WWDC 2014 begins in just a few days. The developer conference will begin with its traditional keynote, headlined by CEO Tim Cook and the rest of the executive gang. We'll be liveblogging the event so you...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1psTgJa

Motorola confirms Moto Maker isn't dying, despite US factory closure

Today's revelation that Motorola is shutting down its sole American plant is an indication that its latest flagship didn't do as well as expected in the US and the costs of operating the Texas factory were simply too high to continue operations....



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1rqAMuW

Engadget Podcast 399 - 5.30.14

We're taking the elephant in the room for a ride this week and jumping right into Apple's purchase of Beats, including both its Electronics and Music divisions. Since we're back in cramped confines of our NYC "studio," that scenario is more...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1tv8J9s

Back to life: A collection of 'holographic' appearances

We've offered up the details about holographic live appearances, and now it's time to kick back and take in a few. Jump in the gallery below for performances from Michael Jackson, Tupac, Mariah Carey and more. There's also a feat from Sir Richard...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1k9epGr

Major League Soccer has big plans for the World Cup and beyond

On June 12th, most football fans around the globe will have their eyes set on Brazil's Arena de Sao Paulo, where the host nation is set to take on Croatia in the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Here in the States, ESPN has already revealed...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1gJTR6G

Samsung Chromebook 2 review: A $400 laptop never looked so good

Chromebooks seem to be having a moment. Which is odd, because for a while there, nobody seemed to be giving them a chance. Since the first Chromebook came out, about three years ago, Chrome OS devices have gotten flak for not being able to do as much...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1mRVmiB

Microsoft is building a foot-controlled infotainment platform

Here's something we didn't expect: Microsoft is developing a projector-based infotainment system that you manipulate with your feet. Really. We found Microsoft's Project Ripple at the Augmented World Expo, but it seemed better suited to the local...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1wB7fPk

iTunes Radio eyes local reach with broadcast content and focused ads

The Beats Music purchase may help Apple compete with Spotify, but iTunes Radio remains focused squarely on Pandora. According to a report from The Information, Apple is said to be working on local advertising while serving up content beyond the scope...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1iAv7ZI

Google Stars bookmarking app makes brief appearance on Chrome Web Store

Google's Stars bookmarking app showed up ever so briefly on the Chrome Web Store, and then disappeared again. The app, which was leaked early this month, seems to allow you to "star" web pages from Chrome's address bar. You'd then be able to organize...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1tXokRb

Rdio's Android app finally lets you listen to live albums correctly

Imagine this, if you will. You're sitting in a recliner listening to Electric Light Orchestra's Time, and just as Prologue gives way to Twilight -- nothing -- and then music. Those odious little pauses are hell when you're really trying to let...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1wAIL8I

Playdate: We're livestreaming Mario Kart 8 for Wii U!

Welcome, ladygeeks and gentlenerds, to the new era of gaming. The one where you get to watch, and comment, as other people livestream gameplay from next-gen consoles. Because games! They're fun! Mario Kart 8 isn't actually the eighth Mario Kart...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1mRjjXk

TrueCrypt development stopped amid a cloud of mystery

Last Wednesday the SourceForge page for popular open-source disk encryption software TrueCrypt started recommending the use of BitLocker on Windows instead. Visitors were told that the application was "not secure" anymore. Of course, social networks...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1oS1sAg

What's on tap for Apple at WWDC 2014

It's that time again, folks -- geeks from around the globe (us included) are getting ready to descend on San Francisco's Moscone Center for WWDC 2014. Once those doors open and the keynote starts, we'll get to peek at the future of computing the...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1hjhROD

Motorola to close its Moto X plant in Texas by the end of the year

Motorola became part of a growing trend when it opened a plant in Texas to build its flagship Moto X, but just a year on, its now decided to shut down its US manufacturing operations. According to The Wall Street Journal, employee numbers have...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1lY3pqQ

Samsung's latest smartphone-camera hybrid launches in the UK tomorrow

Samsung appears intent on single-handedly bringing back the word "cameraphone," if the Galaxy S4 Zoom and recently announced Galaxy K Zoom are anything to go by. The newer of the two does a much better job of hiding its hybrid bloodline, and tomorrow...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1izXzeb

NASA uses smart sandals to stop astronauts cheating their exercise routines

A happy byproduct of zero gravity is an astronaut's ability to totally fake a power-lifting session. (Oh gosh this barbell is so heavy, Houston, do you copy?) Then again, given the rate at which the human body loses bone and muscle strength in a...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/U0paQC

The Engadget Podcast is live at 12pm ET!

Ben and Terrence are back in good ol' NYC and they've got the one and only Edgar Alvarez in the studio with them! Obviously, the big news this week is that Apple snatched up Beats, which means we're probably only a few days away from watching an...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1rp9JAb

Scientists extract clean water from cow pies

The planet's 1.5 billion cows are (innocently) an environmental scourge thanks to the copious amounts of horrible greenhouse gases they disgorge. Scientists from Michigan State U have flopped that around, however, and figured out how to turn the...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1oCH8Ft

Samsung is working with Oculus on a media-focused VR headset

Last week we told you about Samsung's unannounced virtual reality headset: a peripheral that enables VR interaction for flagship phones from the world's largest phone manufacturer. This week we've got far more details. First things first, Samsung's...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1prwMbr

Two-thirds of Americans are doing nothing to protect their privacy

Americans are still not getting the message about protecting their personal info, despite recent epic data breaches. Consumer Reports said that one in seven US residents, or about 45 million people, received some kind of notice that their personal...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1k7QOpp

Engadget UK giveaway: win a Samsung Galaxy S5 courtesy of Pixa Prints

Samsung's Galaxy S5 is the best in its flagship series to date (duh), but if you don't have an upgrade loaded, it'll set you back a pretty penny. If only you could get hold of a brand-spanking new one for absolutely nothing (you can see where we're...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1oCxhzm

What you need to know about hologram people

Perhaps you watched the Billboard Music Awards and were aghast (or impressed) by Michael Jackson's performance from beyond the grave. Or maybe you were at Coachella and caught a resurrected Tupac onstage with real-life Snoop Dogg. Hell, let's say you...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1jAuqzd

Samsung Galaxy Gear update switches it from Android to Tizen

When Samsung debuted its new line of Tizen-powered wearables, it looked like the original Galaxy Gear had been put on notice. Instead of leaving early adopters in the cold, the Korean smartphone maker has decided to make good on its promise to bring...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1iz2hcj

Nintendo resurrects its best controller for Super Smash Bros. on the Wii U

Not only is one of Nintendo's most loved games soon to arrive on the Wii U, but you'll also be able to play it using one of the game company's best controllers. An officially licensed adapter will let you plug in up to four GameCube controllers when...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1kQvq79

Microsoft's UK Store will now sell you a Windows Phone

It's weird to think that before Microsoft spent a few billion euros to acquire Nokia's smartphone division, it didn't sell Windows Phone handsets directly on its online UK store. Now that Nokia is officially part of the mothership, Redmond has begun...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1wxV2e0

Virgin Galactic's space flights cleared for US blastoff

Virgin Galactic's plans to charter its first space flights by the end of the year have been given another huge boost after it got the green light to begin planning launches. The company, which is now deep in its testing phase, signed a deal with the...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1jzFXyE

Velociraptor-inspired robot can run almost as fast as DARPA's Cheetah

There's a new robot that's almost matched Cheetah's speed record, but it wasn't designed after another speedy cat. Instead, it takes cues from something more terrifying: a velociraptor. The two-legged machine named Raptor was created by scientists...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1o4yHyQ

This augmented reality motorcycle helmet could save your life

"I was in early morning traffic when an inattentive driver hit me from behind and I was thrown from my motorcycle." Ryan Shearman, founder and CEO of Fusar Technologies, tells me at Augmented World Expo 2014. It's the kind of thing that could happen...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1wxiI29

Physicists use diamonds to reach quantum teleportation breakthrough

Quantum teleportation promises a leap into the next great era of computing -- but first we've got to get it working consistently. Scientists at the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft say they've managed to reliably teleport quantum info stored in...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1pD8eJW

Google's EU-only form can help the internet forget about you

Google has now complied with a European court ruling that it must remove links to personal data if requested. It has just put up a "right to be forgotten" form to help you remove links about yourself from its search results -- but not the pages...



via Engadget RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1kaKJra