You can toss it on a plane. You can toss it on a train. You can toss it in a car. You can toss it near and far.

Kiloo's new Frisbee(R) app for iOS gives geeks a safe environment to toss the disc (so no more broken windows or dents in the lawn). We managed to keep that little blue saucer parallel to the ground for several seconds during our hands-on. It even flew through one or two of those enormous black and white hoops (enormous relative to the finger-nail-size frisbee). Many of the interface elements feel like they were borrowed from Angry Birds, from buttons and other graphics, to the way you progress through levels. This brought a certain familiarity to the game, though gently sliding a Frisbee(R) across the screen is arguably much less addictive than catapulting feathered fowl to their explosive deaths. We tossed (or flicked) the disc on an iPhone, but if you're ready to step up to the big leagues, the free app is available for iPad (and iPod touch) as well. Jump up and catch it at the source link.

Frisbee Forever app hits your iPhone screen, doesn't crack it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 May 2011 02:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whoops. If you'll recall, Sony held what can only be described as an emergency press event in Japan a week ago in order to issue a number of assurances about the resumption of service as it relates to the PlayStation Network and Qriocity. Seven days later, things are still as dead as they were pre-Cinco de Mayo. This evening, the company's Senior Director of Corporate Communications Patrick Seybold punched out a quick update to let the world know that they could actually leave the house and find something else to entertain 'em -- like it or not, PSN isn't coming back online today. The reason? On May 1st, Sony was apparently "unaware of the extent of the attack on Sony Online Entertainment servers," and now, it's spinning its wheels in order to restore security on the network and "ensure" that user data is safe. Mr. Seybold seems to understand that you're overly anxious about getting back into the swing of things, and he's even going so far as to ask your trust that Sony's doing "everything [it] can" to get the lights blinking once more. Oh, and if you were planning on visiting that source link just to find the new ETA... don't. Sony's planning to update you "as soon as it can."

[Thanks, Alex]

Sony misses promised PlayStation Network and Qriocity restoration date, begs for more patience originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 May 2011 03:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A few days ago, we reported on Macworld's benchmark results for the new Sandy Bridge-equipped iMacs. Macworld found them to be, on average, about 16 percent faster in the Speedmark 6.5 test than the previous generation. Now Primate Labs has put together a report detailing the iMac's speed increases based on user-submitted Geekbench 2 results.

According to Primate Labs, the new Sandy Bridge iMacs are up to 25 percent faster than their Lynnfield predecessors. 25 percent isn't earth-shattering, but it's a nice bump for the newest models. When Primate Labs pitted the Sandy Bridge iMacs against the two-generations-old Wolfdale Core 2 Duo iMacs, however, the newest iMacs ran a whopping 70 percent faster. Time for an upgrade, Core 2 Duo iMac owners?

New iMacs 25 percent faster than previous generation originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 07 May 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There's a big problem with Skype on the Mac: and no, it's not its ugly UI (although that is a big problem). As noted by Mashable's (and former TUAW blogger) Christina Warren, the latest version of Skype for Mac has an unpatched security flaw that that allows a person to gain remote access to another's machine simply by sending a Skype message. The flaw was discovered last month thanks to the work of researcher Gordon Maddern from the firm Pure Hacking.

Maddern contacted Skype, who was reportedly already aware of the vulnerability and working on a fix. They then issued a hotfix for the security hole in a minor update (Skype for Mac version 5.1.0.922) on April 14th. However, responding to the issue in an official blog post today the Skype for Mac team said, "As there were no reports of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild, we did not prompt our users to install this update, as there is another update in the pipeline that will be sent out early next week."

What's that mean to you as a Skype for Mac user? The cat's out of the bag, and if someone who has the skills to take advantage of the flaw now knows about it, Skype for Mac users who have not updated to version 5.1.0.922 are theoretically at risk. Don't wait for the automatic update to Skype next week. Be sure and download the April 14th update right now by clicking here, or simply run Skype on your Mac and choose Skype > Check for Updates.

Now about that UI...

Skype security flaw already patched, but you have to download manually originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 07 May 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TechCrunch is reporting that Apple is in the process of some sort of deal with Nuance Communications, one of the leading companies in the field of speech recognition. Many readers may be familiar with Nuance's Dragon NaturallySpeaking software, however the Dragon speech engine is also licensed and used in a number of apps for Windows, OS X, iOS, and Android.

What could the deal be? The most obvious choice is an acquisition, but as TC points out, it would cost Apple at least US$6 billion to buy the company. Apple's got the cash, but even for them that would be quite a purchase. TechCrunch thinks it's most likely the two companies are entering into some sort of partnership "that will be vital to both companies and could shape the future of iOS."

Speech recognition has been rumored to be a big part of the future of iOS. Last year, Apple bought another speech recognition company, Siri, which itself is powered by Nuance technology. Perhaps with the release of iOS 5 we'll be talking to our phones more than using them to talk to people.

Is a Nuance and Apple deal in the works? originally appeared on TUAW on Sat, 07 May 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Quips & Quotes, George Lopez

In this day of celebrity entourages and PR protection, it's rare for a star to make a false statement. But Hollywood is nowhere near perfect and every so often its peeps will make an off-colour comment or reveal more than they intended to. We keep ... Read more

 

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For those of you who need a bribe in order to be pushed into a purchase of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Activision has prepared its cornucopia of goodies, divided up by retailer and by console.

GameStop pre-orders for Xbox 360 and PS3 will get you a code to unlock Sideswipe, while Amazon pre-orders get you Ratchet (and a $10 credit). But the Wii and DS games, pre-ordered anywhere, get you actual toys -- Bumblebee with the Autobots game, and Lockdown with the Decepticons version.

Other bonuses announced by Activision include an in-game Bumblebee skin for the 3DS version at Toys R Us, in-game "Deco" character skins for the Wii and DS games at Target, and a, "original, limited edition Transformers: Dark of the Moon comic book" at Kmart and Sears, seemingly not tied to any particular version.

Or you could pre-order from Best Buy and get a "free movie ticket upgrade to 3D." Thrilling.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon pre-orders include virtual and actual Transformers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 May 2011 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This latest From Dust dev diary reveals a gameworld inspired by out-of-this-world locales: from the the lagoon archipelagos of Polynesia to the central Sahara Desert and on into the mind of prolific French sci-fi author Laurent Genefort.

Continue reading From Dust dev diary directs our attention to the art direction

From Dust dev diary directs our attention to the art direction originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 May 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Downloadable content is central to THQ's strategy for the (initially) budget-priced MX vs. ATV Alive. So it should come as no surprise that THQ is seeking DLC opportunities even outside of the game. A bunch of Xbox 360 Avatar items based on the off-road racer are available through the Marketplace now, in advance of the May 10 release of the game. So you can start buying DLC even before you get it!

This will be your chance to outfit your Avatar with that tiny 4-wheeler, helmet, or tire-shaped yo-yo you need to complete the virtual representation of your real-life self!

MX vs. ATV vs. Xbox 360 Avatar Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 May 2011 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: 'Fone Finds

Today on indieWIRE: Donald Trump got 'Trumped' in Toronto, the 'Hobo With a Shotgun' director dished on the real man behind the legend, and more.

• Need another reason to hate Donald Trump? Welcome to the documentary 'You've Been Trumped,' which screened Thursday afternoon at Toronto's Hot Docs. Click here to read the full report on the world premiere of the film that exposes what Trump did in order to build a hotel and golf course in rural Scotland.

Continue Reading

This past November, the blogosphere was briefly set on fire when a comment Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak made in passing stated that Apple had acquired the voice recognition company Nuance. Wozniak quickly came out and corrected that comment, and most believed that he had simply confused Nuance with the company he mentioned right afterwards, Siri — a company that Apple actually did acquire in April 2010. But as it turns out, Wozniak's comment, whether he knew it or not at the time, may not have been as off as it seemed. Apple has been negotiating a deal with Nuance in recent months, we've heard from multiple sources. What does that mean? Well, it could mean an acquisition, but that is looking fairly unlikely at this point, we hear. More likely, it means a partnership that will be vital to both companies and could shape the future of iOS.

What's this? A listing for an unreleased Intel chip on eBay? This purported eight-core, hyper-threaded Sandy Bridge E-series processor is apparently a third party tester unit, hence the cloak and dagger "Intel Confidential" stamped in the middle of the thing. The "E," as previously stated, stands for "Enthusiast," especially fitting in the case of a $1,360 dollar piece of near-future tech with a strict no refund / return policy. Not surprisingly, the sale has been shutdown prematurely. Whether it was pulled by the seller or at the strong urging of Intel will have to remain a mystery for now, as will those blazingly fast speeds we've read so much about -- at least until it pops up again on Craigslist.

[Thanks, Lars]

Continue reading Eight-core Intel Sandy Bridge E chips listed on, pulled from eBay

Eight-core Intel Sandy Bridge E chips listed on, pulled from eBay originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 21:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Gaurav, who can't seem to contain his excitement for cord-free audio. And we can't blame him. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"Pretty simple: I am looking to purchase a small stereo system which can fit on a side table, and can connect to AirPort Express. Something stylish, but more importantly, reliable. Thanks!"

Any of you kitchen thrashers care to spill the beans on your preferred system? If so, comments are welcoming one and all down below.

Ask Engadget: best mini stereo for use with AirPort Express originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 22:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Assuming you own a Sensefly Swinglet CAM or some other high-res camera-equipped UAV, you could be just minutes away from turning your plain old 2D aerial photos into comprehensive 3D maps. Pix4D, a new software program coming out of EPFL -- the same institute that brought us this race of altruistic robots -- takes images shot using an aerial drone to render 3D maps in the cloud in just 30 minutes. Users upload images taken with their flying machines, at which point Pix4D kicks into action, defining high contrast points in the phots and pasting them together based on those points. It then renders a 3D model, overlays the graphics, and spits out a Google Earth-style map. So what's with this 4D business? Well, its developers claim that users can easily see the progression of any model by deploying their Sensefly drone whenever they see fit, throwing the added layer of time into the mix. You can see the fruits of Pix4D's labor in the video after the break.

Continue reading Pix4D turns your 2D aerial photographs into 3D maps on the fly (video)

Pix4D turns your 2D aerial photographs into 3D maps on the fly (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 May 2011 00:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Land Rover

Telly is all grown up. Or, at least the actor that protrayed him in the film Kids is. Leo Fitzpatrick, who also portrayed drug addict Johnny Weeks on The Wire, has decided to go in a different direction for Land Rover's new interactive film Being Henry.

The spot was created by Land Rover as a unique means to tout the many personalization options for its new Evoque. Directed by Nick Gordon, Being Henry allows the viewer to jump into the story and take control of Henry's actions. The result is an engaging, humorous and very different way for an automaker to advertise a product.

Once you reach the end of your decision making process, "the voice" comes in and shows you what type of Evoque fits the decisions you make. We will warn you that some of the language is certainly not safe for work, but the film is definitely worth a few moments of your time. Click past the jump to view a trailer of the film. After that, head over to the Being Henry website to start your journey.

Continue reading Land Rover launches Being Henry interactive film series to promote Evoque

Land Rover launches Being Henry interactive film series to promote Evoque originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple and the musical instrument retailer Guitar Center have teamed up to offer weekly workshops in GarageBand, according to Guitar Center's website. Starting May 7th from 10-11 AM and running every Saturday, Guitar Center will be offering four free Recording Made Easy workshops at all of its 216 stores. The aim of the workshops is to teach musicians "How to record your first song using Mac and GarageBand...You'll learn everything from basic tracking to creating a finished song."

The first workshop on May 7 covers "Signal Flow and Microphone Techniques." May 14 is "Virtual Instruments and Loops." May 21's workshop is "Effects" and the final workshop on May 28 is "Mixing and Publishing." After the May 28 workshop, the workshops will begin again on the next Saturday, starting with the first one. You must register for the workshops to attend. Clicking the register button on Guitar Center's site takes you to Apple's Seminars & Events page where you can complete your registration.

Apple and Guitar Center to offer GarageBand workshops originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 06 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple has launched a new site called Apple Customer Pulse which allows select users of Apple's products to submit feedback on a variety of issues. Currently the site is only accessible to those users who have received an email invite from Apple. Several TUAW reads have contacted us saying they have received invites, but there is no firm way to know what the total numbers of invitees are or how Apple goes about choosing them.

The site launched quietly a few weeks ago and represents an expanded effort on Apple's part to generate relevant and focused customer feedback. MacRumors did some digging and found out the site is administered by Socratic Technologies, a San Francisco-based market research firm that has worked with other tech companies, including Adobe. A WhoIs search lists the domain management MarkMonitor Brand Protection, a company Apple frequently uses to secure domain names. Additionally, the administrative registrant contact is Apple's Ken Eddings.

Apple launches 'Apple Customer Pulse' feedback site originally appeared on TUAW on Fri, 06 May 2011 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've talked about Pox RP workshops on WoW Insider before now. The goal of the workshop series is to help new roleplayers pick up the techniques and skills that empower you to really get into the role of your character. Silvermoon and one-hand jokes aside, roleplaying adds a lot of depth to WoW, and can keep you with the game even if you feel like you're getting bored with the content.

The thing that makes Pox RP workshops great is that they bring together a surprisingly large chunk of community. I've heard the workshops get up to 100 attendees, and that's a lot of people to help you pick up the skills to be an elf. It's a great way to learn some nice RP tricks and meet new people with whom to play.

This weekend, on May 7, Pox will be covering the infamous Mary Sue. A Mary Sue is a character who, essentially, is an idealized projection of the author's self, serving as a sort of fictional wish-fulfillment. Mary Sues run rampant in roleplay and are nearly universally hated. They're not great characters and they tend to disrupt other peoples' fun.

The Pox roleplay workshop is at 6pm mountain time at the Thunder Bluff campfire on Shadow Council (US-H). If you've not attended one of these roleplay meetings, make sure you check it out now. This is the last workshop until August, since Pox will be taking the summer to relax.

---

Filed under: Events, RP

Learn how to spot and defeat your inner Mary Sue with Pox RP workshops originally appeared on WoW Insider on Fri, 06 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Famous Couples, Howard Stern, Radar Online

After 30 years together, Howard Stern and longtime sidekick, Robin Quivers, might be splitting up. In an exclusive interview with RadarOnline.com, Quivers revealed she might be saying goodbye to the man who helped make her a household name. "I ... Read more

 

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Filed under: Reality-Free, Spoilers

This is Spoilers Anonymous, a weekly column here at TV Squad where we supply you with the dirt on some of the more popular shows on the air. We'll never put spoilers up here on the main page in order to help the reformed stay unspoiled. If you have anything to add to the group, feel free to step up and let yourself be heard, either with our tips form or by emailing us. Your anonymity is guaranteed, if you wish to remain as such.

This week we have spoilers for: '90210,' 'Dexter,' 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent,' 'Psych,' 'Royal Pains,' 'Smallville,' 'True Blood' and 'White Collar.'

 

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Filed under: TV Previews, TV Schedules

We're giving something new a try: A daily roundup of all the late night show guests, from 'Conan' to 'Chelsea Lately' and 'The Daily Show.'

If you like this feature and want to see it become a regular daily thing, please let us know in the comments.

If you generally hate TV and everything on late night, you're probably on the wrong site.

Tonight we've got Will Ferrell on Ferguson, Bill Murray on Letterman, Edie Falco on Fallon, Steven Tyler on Leno and more.

 

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3:23 P.M. CDT

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hey, it’s good to be back with you all. I’ll tell you what.  I want to thank General Colt for accompanying me up here.  I get the honor of introducing the General.

I was back here on February 11th, to welcome home members of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Afghanistan -- 155 of you got off that plane in the middle of the night, and the only thing that was more exciting than seeing you getting off is watching your families watch you all get off.  So it’s an honor to be back here so soon.

I know many of you have just gotten home in the past few weeks -- so welcome home.  And I know from experience that your families want more than anything to spend time with you.  And so, every time I show up at a welcome home ceremony, I’m always worried about getting in the way.  Because I remember when my son came back home from Iraq after a year, there were all these ceremonies.  And I kept saying, hell, man, stop, I want to see my kid.  (Laughter.)

So, anyway, I get it.  So let me just say how much gratitude the President and I have, and all Americans do, for you all.  You guys have been in the fight from the beginning.  And the risk you’ve taken, the incredible sacrifices you’ve made, the comrades you’ve lost, the losses you’ve personally endured -- you’ve been in some of the most inhospitable terrain in the world.

I’ve been there a number of times, back up those damn mountains.  I’d get a helicopter to go down 9,800 feet, and all I got on is a vest -- a bulletproof vest and a helmet and I’m out of breath climbing up about 40 clicks -- 40 feet.  And you guys are up there, 60 to 80-pound packs running around.  God, you’re amazing.  You just are amazing.  I’m in awe of the job you do, in awe of the job you do.  (Applause.)

As I said back in February, I want to also thank your families.  They made sacrifices as well, those intangible sacrifices -- those missed births and those missed birthdays, those missed graduations, those missed -- an occasional funeral. Perhaps more than anything else, just being missed, just not having you home.

The famous poet -- there was a famous poet I like to quote, John Milton, who said, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Your families serve as well.  And the rest of America owes your families a debt of gratitude as well.  (Applause.)  And so, to all the families that are listening, I want to say their service is as real as yours and it’s as appreciated.

To the soldiers here, you are the most capable warriors.  Let me say this without any fear of contradiction, you’re the most capable warriors in the history of the world.  There has never, never, never, never been a fighting force as capable as you are.

It’s my job today and my honor to talk a little bit about the man that I get to work with every day.  We’ve just got to spend time with the assaulters who got bin Laden.  (Applause.)

By the way, I shouldn’t say this, but I’m going to tell you anyway -- the President is going to be mad I’m taking so long -- (laughter) -- but today was “Grandfather’s Day,” so I went by earlier this morning before I came out here to my granddaughter’s little spring play.  And after it’s all over she said, “Pop, come back to my classroom with me.”  I said, “I can’t, honey.”  She said, “Are you going someplace on Air Force Two?”  I said, “Yeah, I am, babe.”  She said, “Where are you going?”  I said, going to -- true story -- I said, “I’m going to Fort Campbell.”  I said, “We’re going to see the guys out there who got Osama bin Laden.” Absolutely true story.  She said, “Pop!” and then she grabbed a little friend of hers and she said,  “My Pop is going out to see the whales.”  (Laughter.)  Not the SEALs, the whales  (Laughter.) Because if they’re that good they got to be big, man.  They got to be big.  (Laughter.)  Well, you guys are the gorillas, I’ll tell you.

I want to tell you, look, I’ve watched -- I’ve been around a while with eight Presidents, so I’ve watched Presidents make some difficult decisions.  They’ve all had to make difficult decisions.  But sitting in every meeting getting ready and planning for this mission and assault, for the mission to get bin Laden, I saw something extraordinary.  I saw a President who was told the odds -- told the odds weren’t but much more than 50/50 that he’d be there and we could do this, but they were considerably less than 100 percent.

And I, along with the all the rest of his national security team and Secretary of Defense, stayed -- everyone else, we sat around there and he asked our advice and we gave him our advice, and we told him told him a little this and that.  And finally, he just looked at all of us and said, I got faith in the -- I got faith in these guys.

He walked off on his own without anybody giving him any guarantees at all and he decided -- because he believed in not only the SEALs, but believes in all of you.  He has absolute total faith in all of you.  And he made that determination, and it was an amazing thing to watch.  But it was because he had the absolute confidence that you were there.

And so he decided, when he got into office, because of the fight you all were in from the beginning, that the number one priority was to get Osama bin Laden.  And he knew the risks, he knew there were significant risks, and more importantly, special operations risks to the people who were risking their lives getting there.  But he didn’t hesitate, nor did your guys.

Bob Gates said something interesting.  I’ve known Bob for a long time.  He said, it was one of the gutsiest decisions I’ve ever seen made and one of the gutsiest raids.  This is going to go down in history, what happened.  This is going to go down in history.

And here to introduce your Commander-in-Chief, the guy that I’m proud to serve with, is one of the country’s leading warriors himself, Deputy Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division, General Jeffrey Colt.  Ladies and gentlemen, General Colt.  (Applause.)

GENERAL COLT:  Thank you, sir.

I can only try to tell you today just how proud of you that this Division and this local community are.  But more importantly, today, you’re going to get to hear from the Commander-in-Chief just how appreciative he is of all of your service and your sacrifices.

Please join me in this great privilege of welcoming the President of the United States, Barack Obama.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Fort Campbell!  (Applause.)  101st Airborne Division—Air Assault, hello!  (Applause.)

General Colt, thank you for that great introduction -- it was great because it was brief.  (Laughter.)  More importantly, thank you for the extraordinary leadership that you’ve shown here at one of the largest Army bases in America.  (Applause.)

And let me just say, I make a lot of decisions; one of the earliest and best decisions I made was choosing one of the finest Vice Presidents in our history -- Joe Biden, right here.  (Applause.)

Chaplain Miller, thank you for the beautiful invocation.

I want to thank General Colt for welcoming me here today, along with your great Command Sergeant Major, Wayne St. Louis.  (Applause.)  The Quartet and 101st Division Band.  (Applause.)  All these troopers behind me —- you look great.  (Applause.)  You noticed they kind of hesitated.  (Laughter.)  

We got a lot of folks in the house.  We’ve got military police and medical personnel.  We’ve got the Green Berets of the 5th Special Forces Group.  I think we’ve got a few Air Force here.  Ohh -- (laughter.)  Well, we thought we did.  There they go -- okay.  Come on.  (Applause.)  And, of course, the legendary Screaming Eagles.  (Applause.)  And although they’re not in the audience, I want to acknowledge the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment —- the Night Stalkers -— for their extraordinary service.  (Applause.)

Now, I’ve got to say, some of you are starting to look a little familiar -- because last December, when we were at Bagram, I was out there to thank you for your service, especially during the holidays.  And we had a great rally, a big crowd -- it seemed like everybody was there from the 101st.

And since then, I know we’ve had quite a few homecomings.  The Rakkasans.  (Applause.)  Destiny.  (Applause.)  Strike.  (Applause.)  Bastogne.  (Applause.)  And some of the Division Headquarters —- the Gladiators.  (Applause.)  On behalf of a grateful nation —- welcome home.  (Applause.)   

Of course, our thoughts and prayers are with General Campbell, Command Sergeant Major Schroeder, and all of the Screaming Eagles and troops that are still risking their lives in theater.  And I’m so pleased that Ann Campbell and Marla Schroeder, and some of the inspiring military spouses are here.  Where are they at?  Right over there.  (Applause.)  We are grateful to you.  God bless you.  There they are.  Thank you so much.  (Applause.)  This happens to be Military Spouse Appreciation Day.  (Applause.)  And we honor your service as well.

Now, I didn’t come here to make a really long speech.  I know you're hearing that.  (Laughter.)  It’s like, yeah, it’s hot!  (Laughter.)  What I really wanted to do was come down and shake some hands.  I came here for a simple reason —- to say thank you on behalf of America.  This has been an historic week in the life of our nation.  (Applause.)  Thanks to the incredible skill and courage of countless individuals -— intelligence, military —- over many years, the terrorist leader who struck our nation on 9/11 will never threaten America again.  (Applause.)

Yesterday, I traveled to New York City, and, along with some of our 9/11 families, laid a wreath at Ground Zero in memory of their loved ones.  I met with the first responders —- the firefighters, the police officers, the Port Authority officers —- who lost so many of their own when they rushed into those burning towers.  I promised that our nation will never forget those we lost that dark September day.   

And today, here at Fort Campbell, I had the privilege of meeting the extraordinary Special Ops folks who honored that promise.  It was a chance for me to say —- on behalf of all Americans and people around the world —- “Job well done.”  Job well done.  (Applause.)

They’re America’s “quiet professionals” -- because success demands secrecy.  But I will say this.  Like all of you, they could have chosen a life of ease.  But like you, they volunteered.  They chose to serve in a time of war, knowing they could be sent into harm’s way.  They trained for years.  They’re battle-hardened.  They practiced tirelessly for this mission.  And when I gave the order, they were ready.

Now, in recent days, the whole world has learned just how ready they were.  These Americans deserve credit for one of the greatest intelligence military operations in our nation’s history.  But so does every person who wears America’s uniform, the finest military the world has ever known.  (Applause.)  And that includes all of you men and women of 101st.  (Applause.)

You have been on the frontlines of this fight for nearly 10 years.  You were there in those early days, driving the Taliban from power, pushing al Qaeda out of its safe havens.  Over time, as the insurgency grew, you went back for, in some cases, a second time, a third time, a fourth time.

When the decision was made to go into Iraq, you were there, too, making the longest air assault in history, defeating a vicious insurgency, ultimately giving Iraqis the chance to secure their democracy.  And you’ve been at the forefront of our new strategy in Afghanistan.

Sending you -- more of you -- into harm’s way is the toughest decision that I’ve made as Commander-in-Chief.  I don’t make it lightly.  Every time I visit Walter Reed, every time I visit Bethesda, I’m reminded of the wages of war.  But I made that decision because I know that this mission was vital to the security of the nation that we all love.

And I know it hasn’t been easy for you and it hasn’t, certainly, been easy for your families.  Since 9/11, no base has deployed more often, and few bases have sacrificed more than you.  We see it in our heroic wounded warriors, fighting every day to recover, and who deserve the absolute best care in the world.  (Applause.)  We see it in the mental and emotional toll that’s been taken -- in some cases, some good people, good soldiers who’ve taken their own lives.  So we’re going to keep saying to anybody who is hurting out there, don’t give up.  You’re not alone.  Your country needs you.  We’re here for you to keep you strong.

And most of all, we see the price of this war in the 125 soldiers from Fort Campbell who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice during this deployment to Afghanistan.  And every memorial ceremony —- every “Eagle Remembrance” —- is a solemn reminder of the heavy burdens of war, but also the values of loyalty and duty and honor that have defined your lives.

So here’s what each of you must know.  Because of your service, because of your sacrifices, we’re making progress in Afghanistan.  In some of the toughest parts of the country, General Campbell and the 101st are taking insurgents and their leaders off the battlefield and helping Afghans reclaim their communities.

Across Afghanistan, we’ve broken the Taliban’s momentum.  In key regions, we’ve seized the momentum, pushing them out of their strongholds.  We’re building the capacity of Afghans, partnering with communities and police and security forces, which are growing stronger.

And most of all, we’re making progress in our major goal, our central goal in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and that is disrupting and dismantling -- and we are going to ultimately defeat al Qaeda.  (Applause.)  We have cut off their head and we will ultimately defeat them.  (Applause.)

Even before this week’s operation, we’ve put al Qaeda’s leadership under more pressure than at any time since 9/11, on both sides of the border.  So the bottom line is this:  Our strategy is working, and there’s no greater evidence of that than justice finally being delivered to Osama bin Laden.  (Applause.)

But I don’t want to fool you.  This continues to be a very tough fight.  You know that.  But because of this progress, we’re moving into a new phase.  In the coming months, we’ll start transferring responsibility for security to Afghan forces. Starting this summer, we’ll begin reducing American forces.  As we transition, we’ll build a long-term partnership with the Afghan people, so that al Qaeda can never again threaten America from that country.

And, as your Commander-in-Chief, I’m confident that we’re going to succeed in this mission.  The reason I’m confident is because in you I see the strength of America’s military -- (applause) -- and because in recent days we’ve all seen the resilience of the American spirit.

Now, this week I received a letter from a girl in New Jersey named Payton Wall.  She wrote to me on Monday after the news that bin Laden had been killed, and she explained how she still remembers that September morning almost 10 years ago.  She was only four years old.  Her father, Glen, was trapped inside the World Trade Center.  And so, in those final, frantic moments, knowing he might not make it, he called home.  And Payton remembers watching her mom sobbing as she spoke to her husband and then passed the phone to Payton.  And in words that were hard to hear but which she’s never forgotten, he said to her, “I love you Payton, and I will always be watching over you.”     

So yesterday, Payton, her mom, and her sister, Avery, joined me at Ground Zero.  And now Payton is 14.  These past 10 years have been tough for her.  In her letter, she said, “Ever since my father died, I lost a part of me that can never be replaced.”  And she describes her childhood as a “little girl struggling to shine through all the darkness in her life.”

But every year, more and more, Payton is shining through.  She’s playing a lot of sports, including lacrosse and track, just like her dad.  She’s doing well in school.  She’s mentoring younger students.  She’s looking ahead to high school in the fall.  And so, yesterday she was with us —- a strong, confident young woman -— honoring her father’s memory, even as she set her sights on the future.

And for her and for all of us, this week has been a reminder of what we’re about as a people.  It’s easy to forget sometimes, especially in times of hardship, times of uncertainty.  We’re coming out of the worst recession since the Great Depression; haven’t fully recovered from that.  We’ve made enormous sacrifices in two wars.  But the essence of America -- the values that have defined us for more than 200 years -- they don’t just endure; they are stronger than ever.

We’re still the America that does the hard things, that does the great things.  We’re the nation that always dared to dream.  We’re the nation that’s willing to take risks -- revolutionaries breaking free from an empire; pioneers heading West to settle new frontiers; innovators building railways and laying the highways and putting a man on the surface of the moon.

We are the nation -- and you’re the Division -- that parachuted behind enemy lines on D-Day, freeing a continent, liberating concentration camps.  We’re the nation that, all those years ago, sent your Division to a high school in Arkansas so that nine black students could get an education.  That was you.  Because we believed that all men are created equal; that everyone deserves a chance to realize their God-given potential.

We’re the nation that has faced tough times before -- tougher times than these.  But when our Union frayed, when the Depression came, when our harbor was bombed, when our country was attacked on that September day, when disaster strikes like that tornado that just ripped through this region, we do not falter.  We don’t turn back.  We pick ourselves up and we get on with the hard task of keeping our country strong and safe.

See, there’s nothing we can’t do together, 101st, when we remember who we are, at that is the United States of America.  (Applause.)  When we remember that, no problem is too hard and no challenge is too great.

And that is why I am so confident that, with your brave service, America’s greatest days are still to come.  (Applause.)

God bless you.  God bless the 101st.  And God bless the United States of America.  (Applause.)

END
3:47 P.M. CDT

We strongly condemn and deplore the Syrian government’s use of violence and mass arrests in response to ongoing demonstrations.   We again salute the courage of Syrian protestors for insisting on their right to express themselves and we regret the loss of life on all sides.  Over the past two weeks, it has been made abundantly clear that the Syrian government’s security crackdown will not restore stability and will not stop the demands for change in Syria.  It is also clear that false reform announcements, such as ending the emergency law but then expanding the scope of arrests without even the pretense of judicial warrants, also do not satisfy the demand for change in Syria. The Syrian government continues to follow the lead of its Iranian ally in resorting to brute force and flagrant violations of human rights in suppressing peaceful protests.  
 
The United States and the international community will adjust their relations with Syria according to the concrete actions undertaken by the Syrian government.  On April 29, the President signed an Executive Order imposing sanctions against senior Syrian officials and other Syrian and Iranian government entities responsible for human rights abuses, including the use of violence against civilians and the commission of other abuses.  These sanctions are in addition to those the United States maintains pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and Executive Orders 13338, 13399 and 13460, as a part of the national emergency with respect to Syria.
 
The United States believes that Syria’s deplorable actions toward its people warrant a strong international response. Absent significant change in the Syrian government’s current approach, including an end to the government’s killing of protestors and to the arrest and harassment campaigns of protestors and activists, coupled with a genuine political reform process responsive to the demands of the Syrian people, the United States and its international partners will take additional steps to make clear our strong opposition to the Syrian government’s treatment of its people.  In this context, the United States welcomes today’s decision by the European Union to impose sanctions on Syrian regime officials responsible for human rights abuses in Syria.

The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local response efforts in the area struck by flooding beginning on April 25, 2011, and continuing.
 
The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the parishes of Avoyelles, Ascension, Assumption, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, Iberia, Iberville, LaSalle, Madison, Pointe Coupee, East Baton Rouge, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tensas, Terrebonne, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.
 
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.  Emergency protective measures, limited to direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding.
 
W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Gerald M. Stolar as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.
 
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  FEMA (202) 646-3272.

Earlier today aboard Air Force One, President Obama spoke with Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Australia, who congratulated the President and U.S. forces on the successful operation against Osama bin Laden.  The President underscored that this was an important moment in the fight against al Qaeda and noted the need for continued vigilance.  The President and Prime Minister also discussed U.S.-Australian cooperation against global terrorism and the situation in Afghanistan.  

The President spoke by phone today with His Highness Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait.  The President conveyed condolences on the passing of Sheikh Sabah’s brother, Sheikh Khalid Al-Sabah, and thanked the Amir for Kuwait’s steadfast support to U.S. troops.  The President thanked the Amir for Kuwait’s generous pledge of assistance to the Transitional National Council of Libya and stressed the importance of such financial support to the opposition given their urgent needs.  Both leaders renewed their pledge to build on the historic ties between the United States and Kuwait.

The actress says costar Jack Black earns more laughs from her children

"We knew from the moment we met that we wanted to marry each other," Cavallari tells PEOPLE

Though Sonic's new outing Sonic Generations may still be a ways off, it looks like we may get an early double dose of hedgehog. Sega is planning to release a demo of the game, according to Australia's Classification Board, which recently awarded the demo a family-friendly G rating.

It would seem like good news for Sonic fans, though it's unusual for most game rating organizations to assign a rating to an individual demo. Ratings are usually reserved only for individual retail products. One possible implication is that the demo could (could, mind you) be a paid product of some sort, or perhaps bundled with an upcoming Sega game.

Sonic Generations demo classified in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 May 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sure, Escalation is out and there are new maps to play in Call of Duty: Black Ops, but that doesn't matter to you. You don't play for the fun of exploring a new map and discovering new strategies -- you just want cold, hard progression points. If you can't level up from it, you're not interested.

Fortunately for you, Treyarch has your back; the company's kicked off a Double XP weekend, so everyone playing BlOps, in the new maps or elsewhere, picks up double the points the whole time. Whew! Close one there -- you almost had some fun in that new content completely outside of the standard XP grind.

[Thanks, gandrade]

Double XP in Call of Duty: Black Ops makes playing the new maps worth it originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When it comes to fantasy RPGs, nothing is more important than the setting in which all the looting takes place. Judging by this new dev diary, Hunted: The Demon's Forge seems to have this fact on lockdown, thanks in no small part to the inclusion of some user-generated dungeon tools.

Continue reading Hunted: The Demon's Forge trailer whips up a world

Hunted: The Demon's Forge trailer whips up a world originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 May 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Movie News

'Akira,' the long-in-development live-action version of the landmark 1988 anime film and comic book, might finally have a star in Keanu Reeves.

He's been in talks with Warner Bros. to play gang leader Kaneda in the post-apocalyptic classic.

The studio has wooed a wide variety of actors, including James Franco, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Robert Pattinson and Michael Fassbender, an Anglo-centric list that has prompted protests from some fans.

Concerns about casting an Asian or Asian-American lead to stay true to the project's Japanese roots and setting might be assuaged with Reeves on board; the Hawaiian-born actor is part Chinese. (The same reasoning that makes it OK -- or not, depending on your point of view -- for Johnny Depp, who's got some Cherokee blood, to play Tonto in the upcoming 'Lone Ranger' film.)

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If you prioritized your To-Do list, proper car maintenance should show up in the top three. For only $39, get four oil and filter changes from J.T.S Auto & Truck. Show your car a little TLC (Total Lube Care) by getting this Wowcher today.

Whoa there tipsters, slow down. We've just been bombarded with tips coming our way that Google has rolled out a new-look search results page. Scanning Twitter, it looks like there are in fact a lot of people seeing this. And boy is it ugly. I mean, it's great that Google appears to be trying to clean up the look of the results page, which has gotten pretty cluttered over the years as they add more and more types of information and snippets. But the new design is too sparse. And the colors are too soft. It looks like Bing on a bad day.

Notable developer Joe Hewitt has left Facebook to pursue independent projects. From his blog: "Today was my last day at Facebook. Normally when I leave a job I go out cursing the management and wishing I had left much sooner. In the case of Facebook, I sent heartfelt emails to all of my managers thanking them for the privilege of letting me work there, and I genuinely meant it. Facebook was the longest I ever worked at one company, and the best employer I've ever had." Updating.

You may recall from yesterday that early adopters were having a variety of issues after activating (or attempting to activate) Sprint's new Google Voice integration feature. Well, a full day has passed, and we've had several calls with GV lead Vincent Paquet as well as Brian Smith, Sprint's director of product development. Both executives have said that their respective companies have been hard at work on resolutions to each of the issues we outlined Thursday night, and some customers we spoke to yesterday are now back online. Jump past the break for a quick summary of what's been fixed, and what remains on the to-do list.

Continue reading Google and Sprint respond to Google Voice integration issues

Google and Sprint respond to Google Voice integration issues originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 17:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Johnny Depp's eccentricities extend beyond a propensity to show up at British elementary schools dressed in pirate garb. The actor is part of a small segment of the population that can't process three-dimensional effects in movies, a malady he refers to by its formal name: "weird eye." In fact, he's likely to skip tomorrow's global premiere for the fourth Pirates installment (aka Stranger Tides), which was filmed in 3D. A pity, since shooting films with multiple cameras (a prerequisite for 3D) reportedly makes nailing shots all the more challenging. At least he can take comfort in the fact that he'll never suffer the pangs of a 3D-induced headache while watching his bank account swell.

Johnny Depp, star of 3D 'Pirates' movie, can only see 2D originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 19:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You've already seen Android activations mapped around the globe over time, now how about some Google search volumes? Using WebGL and different color crayons for each language, the coders at Mountain View have put together the above Search Globe, which presents a single day's worth of Google queries in a beautiful, skyscraper-infused visualization. Jacking yourself into the source link below (your browser can handle WebGL, right?) will let you twist and turn the model world for a closer exploration of global Google use. And if you get tired of that, there's an alternative map showing world populations over 1990s -- that's available at the second link.

Visualized: Google searches around the globe originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 19:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Apple pull the old chip switcheroo again, and embrace ARM CPUs on its Macs instead of Intel silicon? You bet it might, say new rumors, because it could mean your MacBook lasts pretty much all day on a charge.

Only a handful of years ago, Apple abandoned its long relationship with IBM and the PowerPC line of processors for shiny new Intel silicon. The switch from G5 to Intel caused an upheaval of epic proportions among the user community and for the people who code for Apple software--and even required Apple to nursemaid the transition with special dual-mode compatibility code in its OS X for years. But Apple's never looked back, and thanks to a few early-access treats from Intel, and special treatment like the unique one-off processor designed to make the original MacBook Air such a paradigm-breaking machine, the two have kept working together. That may, according to a new and surprisingly emphatic rumor, all be about to change.

SemiAccurate, a publication that was previously correct in predicting Apple would swing away from using Nvidia GPUs, is the source of the latest rumor. It's based on some insider information, and some smart deductive work: In just a few years, ARM is expected to transition its CPU design to full 64-bit addressing, which would significantly boost the computing power, while retaining the core light power requirements that's a characteristic of ARM's design. A transition to ARM CPUs in two to three years would enable Apple to quickly make use of a whole new class of super-powerful chips that eat batteries much less quickly than competing chip architectures. And it would come just a short while after Apple takes its first steps in incorporating lessons from iOS devices like the iPhone (which runs on an ARM chip) back into its computing operating system OS X, with the latest update into OS X Lion.

And don't forget Apple already has lots of ARM design expertise in-house, thanks to its acquisition of PA Semi for close to $300 million in 2008.

With two more generational tweaks to OS X, and continued development of iOS, Apple could easily make OS X work on ARM chips instead of Intel's. This would also align how code is written for pretty much every device Apple makes. Supplying an emulation system, like it did for the transition to Intel chips inside Macs, wouldn't be difficult, and the fact that Mac apps are now slightly cheaper to buy (thanks to the Mac App Store, and halo effect of the iOS App Store) would mean users wouldn't feel hard done by when, in say four to five years, Apple stopped supporting Intel x68-only software for its ARM-based Macs.

But there's one big reason Apple would want to pull off this trick, which would be timed to the A15 ARM generation: Mobile computing. There's an undeniable move away from desktop PCs that was initially driven by advances in laptop tech, boosted by the netbook phenomenon, and is now being rocketed into the stratosphere by the tablet PC paradigm. Users now expect ever-more powerful portable machines. And though Intel has teased its next-gen low-power 3-D chip solution, the main reason it's currently shut out of the tablet market is that its chip architecture simply can't compete with ARM chips in terms of power consumption.

The iPad works for around 10 hours on a charge, while the new 11-inch iMacs run reliably into four hours of usage, and Apple's existing bigger MacBook Pros can go up to 7 hours with the Wi-Fi on...all with existing tech. Imagine in 3 years' time, with evolutions in battery design, screen technology (so they consume less power when lit) and solid-state memory advances, a MacBook sporting a low-power-consumption, super-fast ARM chip. Hypothetically, that Mac could run for 18 hours or more on a single charge.

If Apple's desktop Macs ran ARM chips, too, then perhaps they'd need much less cooling--leading to quieter, more efficient power needs. And who wouldn't like to run apps on a top-end Mac Pro with four ARM CPUs aboard, sporting up to 32 separate processor cores?

[Image: Flickr user junesey]

Chat about this news with Kit Eaton on Twitter and Fast Company too.

Most Innovative Companies 2011: Apple.

Christina Norman told the audience at our Innovation Uncensored event last week how she was visibly unsure about joining OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network as its CEO. Even a star-powered, deeply funded network is a lot like a small startup, full of twists and turns. In the latest twist a week later, Norman herself has been let go.

Photo: Brigitte Sire

Now that Oprah Winfrey herself has announced she'll be turning her full attentions to her OWN network and plans to bring along her new show, Oprah's Next Chapter, in Jan 2012, she's overseen the network's first big staff move, too: dismissing CEO Christina Norman. The dismissal comes after the network has failed to outperform the channel it replaced, Discovery Health, Brian Stetler reports today on the New York Times' Media Decoder blog. Peter Liguori, chief operating officer for Discovery Communications, takes over immediately--at least through the rest of 2011.

Norman just told us last week about how her first big visit with Oprah was a flop. Oprah had to cancel--her dog died. In case that wasn't a bad enough omen, a second meeting went horribly, Norman said, adding that she was visibly ambivalent about the opportunity.

[video_twistage 1]

Norman was so bad in the interview, she said she remembered Oprah saying, "I thought you needed hormones or something." Norman also admitted: "This is not the kind of job, the kind of person you half-ass it for." She let the bad interview pass but later came to her senses. "I called everybody I knew to get back in it," Norman told her panel's moderator Linda Tischler. But months later, she heard Oprah was still on the hunt for a CEO. So she threw her hat back in the ring. She landed the position.

Until today. Norman never seemed to be kidding herself about the challenges she faced at the network. It is very much a startup, Norman told Fast Company last week, after, it's now being reported, the OWN board had already made the decision to dismiss her--but before the news was announced. "Is it going to work, is it going to fail?" Norman asked about the network. "It's going to be a roller coaster, and how do you sort of lead and navigate through that?"

[video_twistage 2]Video editing by Adam Barenblat

Micro-finance is terrific in concept. All it's missing is a winning platform. In this installment of Work Smart, John Ferber of Microgiving.com describes the important differences between loansharking and micro-giving and lending that's estimated to have helped a billion people in need. Plus, learn about a few micro-lending and giving sites, including a Google-style search site for micro-finance services--proven to do good. 

 

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Videos

In a world chock-full of bad ideas, the makers of the GoSmart Clip have found a way to stand out. The device is actually quite simple in form. It's a plastic phone holder that clips onto many smartphones, and utilizes an elastic strap to adhere itself to the steering wheel. The device retails for $29.95, and it comes in both red and black.

A $30 price tag isn't too horrible for any chunk of useful plastic, but this testament to distracted driving takes "smart" to an entirely different level. The device is obviously for those who like to play on their phone when they're going 75 miles-per-hour, though the device's FAQ page tells owners not to text and drive and recommends using Bluetooth when you're on a call. That was responsible of them. And if you're wondering if the device blocks the gauge cluster, we're guessing the answer is almost always yes. But don't worry, the FAQ says that if the gauges are blocked, simply move the device too 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock on the steering wheel. Problem solved, right?

With over 5,000 deaths per year attributed to distracted driving, the GoSmart seems like one of the worst accessories ever. Luckily, the company made a video to prove how sturdy the device is, and you can check it out by hitting the jump.

Continue reading GoSmart automotive smartphone accessory is ironically named

GoSmart automotive smartphone accessory is ironically named originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Buying a new Rolls-Royce can be a bit more to bite off than most can chew. So for those looking to put Goodwood's finest in their driveway but without the means for a new model, the company has announced its new certified pre-owned car program.

Similar to such programs available from other automakers, Provenance involves rigorous inspections undertaken by factory-trained technicians and a comprehensive two-year warranty with round-the-clock roadside assistance. Which is a good thing, because while you may want to drive a Phantom, you wouldn't want it to give up the Ghost on your drive up to the country club. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce proves its Provenance with new certified pre-owned program

Rolls-Royce proves its Provenance with new certified pre-owned program originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Technology, Videos, Volkswagen

If the idea of someone playing with their phone while driving sounds distracting, then wait until you see the latest navigation concept from MIT and Volkswagen. Called the AIDA Project, this technology joint venture between MIT's SENSEable City Lab and VW stands for Affective, Intelligent Driving Agent.

Using a series of 3D projectors, a large map would take up residence in the unused space on top of the dashboard. Route guidance, destination information, infotainment options and a host of other features would all be controlled via hand gestures that are sensed by the AIDA 2.0 system.

This makes for very cool-looking tech, but we have to think Ray LaHood would plotz if this ever becomes reality. Also, we think the city of Boston may be virtual in the video demonstration due to the lack of middle fingers being tossed around as if they were Dunkin Donuts Munchkins. Check out AIDA 2.0 by clicking past the jump.

Continue reading Navigation concept from MIT and Volkswagen projects 3D image on windshield

Navigation concept from MIT and Volkswagen projects 3D image on windshield originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Autoblog iPhone app should now be available in all of Apple's International App Stores. Sorry for the delay, it was our fault, not Apple's. But you should now be able to download our official app wherever you are, as long as Apple has graced your country with an App Store. If it did, you can follow this link to the prize. If you don't see it in your country's App Store, let us know in the comments.

Autoblog iPhone app now available in all International App Stores originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Fiat has been talking seriously about bringing Alfa Romeo back to these shores since early 2000, making a decade of delays in the brand's relaunch. Most recently, the company's debut has been pushed back to sometime in 2013. To commemorate the anniversary of Fiat's colossal history of setbacks, Car and Driver put together a time table of the promised Alfa Romeo launch.

The story begins on March 27, 2000, when Fiat announced it had partnered with General Motors to bring Alfas to the States by 2003. The first delay came less than a year later, when Fiat and GM announced that Alfas would move through Cadillac and Saab dealers starting in 2005.

Obviously, none of that came even remotely true. In 2002, the relaunch got pushed back to 2007. In 2004, it was killed altogether. The Italians changed their minds again in 2005, going back to 2007 as the year of the Alfa. Need we go on? The promises, cancellations and delays have carried on this way through two wars, two presidents, an economic nosedive and the odd oil crisis thrown in for good measure.

At this point, we'd really like to believe that we'll see an attainable Alfa in the USA by 2013, but history makes the time table hard to believe. Head over to Car and Driver to see a full infographic of Fiat's waffling.

Car and Driver details ten years of Alfa Romeo delays originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Jeep, Australia, Celebrities

Jeep is celebrating its 70 year anniversary this year, and the festivities won't be relegated to these United States. The off-road capable brand is celebrating its milestone anniversary in Australia with the help of 79-year-old Australian rules football legend Tommy Hafey.

The retired football star is also a very motivated exercise aficionado with a can-do spirit; attributes Jeep marketing types are hoping translates well to the brand's "Don't Hold Back" mantra. Hit the jump to watch the one-minute ad.

Hafey may be 79, but the commercial shows that he can likely kick some serious butt if the need ever arose. After all, the man appears to have more energy than most men half his age, and it's not like he's famous for his knitting skills. Jeep is hoping utility buyers will see the ad and think that Hafey's Wrangler is almost as tough.

Continue reading Jeep and Tommy Hafey both 70 years young

Jeep and Tommy Hafey both 70 years young originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Ford

CARS 2 was already on our must-see list (for the kids, of course) even before we talked to director John Lasseter, and after that interview, we added a star next to the already-circled June 24 release date. But since we've still got a ways to go before the movie hits the big screen, we'll have to take any information we can gather.

The latest character to be revealed is Brent Mustangburger, who is obviously voiced by sportscasting legend Brent Musburger. The excitable broadcaster will trade in his trademark glasses and blazer for a 1964.5 Ford Mustang body. The golden voice will remain unchanged, though, as the super broadcaster calls the fictional World Grand Prix during the movie.

Hit the jump for a 360 degree video that show just how good Mustangburger looks in Ford blue, and scroll through our image gallery to see the full slate of CARS 2 characters.

Continue reading Brent Mustangburger joins the cast of CARS 2 [w/video]

Brent Mustangburger joins the cast of CARS 2 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler, Celebrities

Chyrsler hit a high note when it employed the services of Eminem to show off the new 2011 200 sedan. That commercial put the exact type of spotlight on Detroit that the city was looking for. The automaker is going back to the same well stylistically for a new spot featuring the 2011 Chrysler 300. It's still tied to The D, but this time shows a person returning to their roots back in Portland, Oregon.

That person is Ndamukong Suh, defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He's returning to the place that made him the man he is, and he's using a new Chrysler 300 to take him there. It's not as overtly dramatic as the Eminem ad, yet it still works at both pulling you into a piece of Suh's world and showing off the new sedan. Click past the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Ndamukong Suh returns to his roots with the 2011 Chrysler 300

Ndamukong Suh returns to his roots with the 2011 Chrysler 300 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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