Microsoft Surface Tablets Scheduled for Oct. 26 Debut

Microsoft plans to launch Windows 8 and its first Surface tablet together on Oct. 26, according to an annual report it filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. - While Microsoft has announced its plans to launch its new Windows 8 operating system Oct. 26, a company report indicates that the software giant also plans to roll out one of its much-hyped Surface tablets on the same day.
The company revealed the Surface debut date in a filing with the United Sta...

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Google bids $900 million for Nortel's patents to protect against litigation trolls

Nortel, once one of the biggest telecoms company in the world but now in the death throes of bankruptcy, has selected Google's $900 million bid for its patent portfolio as the stalking horse bid. This doesn't mean that Google will automatically win Nortel's massive array of telecoms patents, but it does mean that Google is the preferred buyer.

Google, which has a history of lobbying for patent law reform, has been the target of many patent litigation suits. Google's relative infancy means that it has a lot less patents in the vault than big-hitters like Microsoft, Oracle and IBM, and buying Nortel's portfolio of 6,000 patents could provide better protection against patent litigation in the future. It's worth noting that both Apple and RIM have showed interested in the portfolio, too.

Mashable speculates that the patents -- which are nearly all telecoms-related -- will be used to defend against Oracle's attacks on Android's use of Java. We reckon that Google is simply looking to cover its future endeavors in the world of networking. In the absence of patent law reform, and continued threats to net neutrality, owning a bunch of telecoms patents sounds like a very sensible move.

Google bids $900 million for Nortel's patents to protect against litigation trolls originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quirky helmet concept gives new meaning to headlight

As a general rule, it's usually never a good look to strap things to your noggin. That said, we're willing to let this particular Quirky-made concept slide for two reasons: it could very well save your motorcycle-loving life and it won't muck up your head gear. The in-development helmet light, which goes by the plain though apt Signal moniker, makes use of an elastic fiber-optic fabric known as Lumigram, thus avoiding the need for messy adhesives and, more importantly, keeping your biker fashion in check. So, how exactly does it help steer you out of harm's way? Well, by communicating wirelessly via RFID, the attachment doubles up on signaling safety, mimicking your ride's real-time responses for brake lights and turn signals. According to its creators, this hide-saving accessory could be "the coolest thing to happen to motorcycles since Easy Rider." We're not sure we (nor Jack Nicholson, for that matter) agree with that, but it should keep your body and bike free from the crush of neighboring wheels.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Transportation

Quirky helmet concept gives new meaning to headlight originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Open WebOS support for existing WebOS devices, no soup for you

Another day, another major blow to the webOS community. The Open webOS project announced today in its blog that the fledgling OS won't support any of the existing hardware -- like HP's Pre 3 and TouchPad. While not completely surprising, this is disappointing for those who were hoping to wring a little more life out of their current webOS devices. Open webOS is targeting SoCs that support the Linux 3.3+ kernel and components with open source drivers. The blog post blames the existing hardware's "many proprietary components, including graphics, networking and lack of drivers for a modern kernel". Despite having access to these proprietary drivers, it appears HP isn't willing to make them available to the Open webOS project -- proof that sometimes you can have your cake, but not eat it too.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablet PCs, Software

No Open WebOS support for existing WebOS devices, no soup for you originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 21:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Tea Steeper Thinks It's in The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou [Tea]

There's a very good thing going on in the realm of tea steepers, right now. This little spa man tea infuser is perfectly brilliant. And now there's a deep sea diver—the Deep Tea Diver ($14.95)—who'll soak your leaves Steve Zissou-style! [LikeCool] More »

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Add a Windows 8 user tile to your Windows 7 taskbar

Now that Windows 8 images have begun leaking out, it's only a matter of time until developers start releasing mods for Windows 7 which mimic upcoming features. Over at Into Windows, they've spotted one such mod already.

In the earliest Windows 8 images, we saw Windows Live integration on the taskbar. In the far right corner, there's a user tile displayed. If you'd like to do the same on Windows 7, download Taskbar User Tile from DeviantArt user AngelWZR.

Once installed, your current picture will appear on the taskbar. Click it, and a menu appears which allows you to log off, switch users, and access the control panel. Right now, the mod only works if your taskbar is displayed on the bottom of your Windows desktop.

Add a Windows 8 user tile to your Windows 7 taskbar originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chocomize personalized chocolate: giveaway and discount code

Okay, I know what you're thinking: chocolate on Download Squad? That's right! That's because Chocomize is one of the nerdiest ways to get chocolate online: it's a website where you customize your own bar using a multi-step process.

We've covered Chocomize before in our holiday gift guide, so when they reached out to us offering to do a giveaway, we really couldn't resist.

Chocomize is giving away ten gift certificates, each worth $50, for you to create your own customized chocolate. They sent us some pictures of their recent creations, which you can find in the gallery below.

Regardless of the giveaway, you can use the discount code switched to get 10% off any Chocomize order. The code is valid through April 20th - just in time for Easter!

To participate, simply leave a comment. Fine print is after the jump.

Gallery: Chocomize personalized chocolate

Continue reading Chocomize personalized chocolate: giveaway and discount code

Chocomize personalized chocolate: giveaway and discount code originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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