Ford bringing SYNC systems to base trim levels, drops from $395 to $295

Ford's been pushing SYNC in its autos since 2007, but you wouldn't have known it had you opted for the base trim level on your ride. Thankfully for those who appreciate the basics, that's a-changing. The automaker is aiming to entice more potential owners by offering the voice-activated infotainment systems across all levels for $295 (down from $395, where optional), starting with its 2012 Edge and Explorer models. To sweeten the deal even further, it'll also become standard on SEL variants for the first time -- before, it was a luxury previously reserved for Limited and Sport. Ford plans to roll out the system across its entire lineup in three years time, bringing the 2013 Ford Taurus, Focus, Escape and Flex into the fold. You know, options for all of you who aren't hip on the all-American, gas-guzzling SUV. Full PR past the break.

Continue reading Ford bringing SYNC systems to base trim levels, drops from $395 to $295

Ford bringing SYNC systems to base trim levels, drops from $395 to $295 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Asics Men's Gel Kayano 17 Black/Onyx/Lightning Trainer Amazon.co.uk �66.66 Plus delivery

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004AHSX26/ref=ox_sc_act_...

the link is giving the price as 79.99 but when you check out its giving the price as 66.66 pounds plus delivery.

Asics Men's Gel Kayano 17 Black/Onyx/Lightning Trainer T100N 9099 7.5 UK

�66.66 - Quantity: 1 - In stock

Condition: New

Sold by: Amazon EU S.a.r.L.

Order Total: GBP 89.24

(Payment Total: AUD 138.74**)

not sure how to get the free shipping though…

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Kyocera Echo Gingerbread update bringing WiFi calling, NFC support?

Um, okay? Hot on the heels of rumors that Kyocera's Echo would see its first major Android update on August 1st, in flies an updated page over at the company's own website detailing the impending changes. Unless someone at Kyocera's pulling a fast one, it looks as if the imminent Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) update will bring a downright staggering list of new features, making an already unique handset capable of even rarer feats. Interest piqued? We're told that the refresh will provide pinch-to-zoom support in the browser, gallery, Maps and Sprint Navigation, an improved downloads app and an upgrade to the Swype 3.0 virtual keypad, with Tap Correction and Horizontal Word Choice list.



But that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg -- the real kicker is the addition of "internet calling over WiFi" as well as "an NFC reader to interact with posters, advertisements, products, etc." You heard right, WiFi calling and a previously unmentioned NFC chip! As of now, the only major US carrier to support WiFi calling is T-Mobile, and neither Sprint nor Kyocera have mentioned any secretive Near Field Communications module to us. The luckiest of the early adopters should see their over-the-air update swing through as soon as a half-hour, so be sure to let us know if this all proves true in comments below. Naturally, we'll be watching for the update on our own set and updating accordingly.



[Thanks, Brain_ReCall]

Kyocera Echo Gingerbread update bringing WiFi calling, NFC support? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Greenmangaming.com - Bioshock 2 for $5.98

Bioshock 2 for $5.98:

http://www.greenmangaming.com/games/shooter/bioshock-2/

Next to Steam, GMG is my most used company for Digital Downloads. Cannot confirm if this is Steamworks compatible but given that it cannot be traded in, it might be.

Highly recommended for fans of the original Bioshock, but be warned that in terms of graphics & sounds, it's identical. If your PC could play the original, it can play the sequel.

Enjoy :-)

target=_blank>http://chilp.it/298981

Just In: Wii Release Schedule Not Entirely Empty!

Nintendo Australia today announced that Xenoblade Chronicles will be coming to Australian and New Zealand shores on September 1. In both territories, the "first production of the game" will come with a limited edition soundtrack CD featuring 12 original tracks written for the game. Xenoblade Chronicles will retail for SRP AU $99.95, which includes the soundtrack CD...

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WD's 9.5mm Scorpio Blue 1TB laptop hard drive gets benchmarked

These days, it's hard to shake the urge to pop a solid state drive into your next laptop, but even if you're down with dropping the requisite coin, the restrictive capacity choices may make it darn near impossible for pack rats to bite. For those fitting squarely into that category, there's Western Digital's newest laptop drive: the 9.5mm 1TB Scorpio Blue. It's one of the first in this form factor (read: the one that slips into most everything smaller than a Clevo) to hit the 1TB milestone, and at just $99, it's a veritable bargain. The benchmarking gurus over at Hot Hardware threw it through the usual gauntlet of tests, pitting it against a 500GB Scorpio Black and a 640GB Seagate Momentus. As you'd likely expect, the 1TB spinner bested the competition in SiSoftware, ATTO and CrystalDiskMark tests, though not by a tremendous margin. Still, taking performance up a notch while also boasting a full terabyte of space makes it somewhat of a no-brainer for capacity freaks, and you can hit the source for a barrage of charts proving as much.

WD's 9.5mm Scorpio Blue 1TB laptop hard drive gets benchmarked originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 21:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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50% to 80% OFF Online at Husk Street & Surf, Kids, Ladies & Men Clothing plus score a FREE GIFT!

Hey Guys…score friendly service, fast postage and CHEAP deals online at Husk Street and Surf with 50% to 80% OFF Kids, Ladies and Mens Clothing and with every purchase you will receive a FREE GIFT.

Better be quick as for a limited time only.

Hope you find a bargain!

The Team at Husk Street and Surf

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Inhabitat's Week in Green: photovoltaic trees, a mind-reading Prius bike and solar-powered garb

The summer sun shined a light on several breakthrough solar technologies this week at Inhabitat as Semprius unveiled a powerful micro photovoltaic cell that can fit on a pinhead, and MIT developed a solar power system that can produce energy without sunlight. We also spotted plans for a shape-shifting solar home with a perforated facade, a series of luminous photovoltaic trees that grow real plants, and Nuon unveiled its super aerodynamic Nuna6 solar-powered racer.



Speaking of green transportation, this week President Obama set a goal of 54.5 MPG for all US automakers, BMW unveiled its breakthrough i3 and i8 electric vehicles, and Toyota unveiled a mind-reading Prius bike that can shift gears with just a thought. We also showcased several incredible examples of vehicular architecture - including a prefab house made from recycled Hummers and a shipping container pool set on a barge that purifies water as it floats through france.



As temperatures continued to soar this week we brought you seven solar-powered wearables guaranteed to give you a charge, and we saw Japanese citizens turn to air-conditioned clothing to beat the heat during power shortages. We were also relieved to hear a Swiss study announce that cell phone use is not linked to brain tumors in kids, and we showed you the dizzying view from the world's tallest tennis court, which is set atop the Burj al Arab in Dubai.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: photovoltaic trees, a mind-reading Prius bike and solar-powered garb originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 19:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big W game bargains for the week

August 1: Call of Juarez, The Cartel: $49.92 (PS3, Xbox360)

August 2: Harry Potter & Deathly Hallows Pt. 2: $29.92 (PS3, Xbox360)

August 3: Virtual Tennis 4: $54.84 (PS3, Xbox360)

August 4: L.A. Noire: $68.84 (PS3, Xbox360) - I know this to be cheaper from UK

August 5: Captain America with bonus "flying disc": $54.84(PS3, Xbox360)

August 6: Child of Eden: $39.92 (Xbox360)

August 7: Green Lantern $49.92 (PS3, Xbox360)

target=_blank>http://chilp.it/3e378e

Dead Island: Slice and Dice in Paradise

The opening of Dead Island sees you lurching through throngs of blissed-out partygoers, pawing at them desperately and mumbling incoherently as neon lights blur and swirl around the edges of your vision. But this isn't some unique narrative twist in which you begin the game from the perspective of an infected zombie. The explanation is far less sinister: you're drunk...

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Switched On: Desktop divergence

Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Last week's Switched On discussed how Lion's feature set could be perceived differently by new users or those coming from an iPad versus those who have used Macs for some time, while a previous Switched On discussed how Microsoft is preparing for a similar transition in Windows 8. Both OS X Lion and Windows 8 seek to mix elements of a tablet UI with elements of a desktop UI or -- putting it another way -- a finger-friendly touch interface with a mouse-driven interface. If Apple and Microsoft could wave a wand and magially have all apps adopt overnight so they could leave a keyboard and mouse behind, they probably would. Since they can't, though, inconsistency prevails.



Yet, while the OS X-iOS mashup that is Lion exhibits is share of growing pains, the fall-off effect isn't as pronounced as it appears it will be for Windows 8. The main reasons for this are, in order of increasing importance, legacy, hardware, and Metro.

Continue reading Switched On: Desktop divergence

Switched On: Desktop divergence originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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