Author: Serkadis

Man, we’d usually say it’s been a hot minute since we heard from iLive, but when you’re pushing a full year, that’s just a woeful understatement. Nevertheless, the peripheral outfit is hitting back in a big way here at CES, tossing out no fewer than 33 new iPod and iPhone-compatible audio products. We won’t bother detailing the lower-end gear, but a few of the highlights include the iTDP610B bar speakers with built-in DVD player — which touts a motorized door that opens to reveal the iPhone dock and to load and unload a DVD– and the iHP310B micro audio system. The former can be had in two sizes (32- or 37-inch) for $199.99, while the latter is pegged at $99.99. Peep that source link if you’re hungry for more, and give the gallery a look for some visual eye candy to accompany it.

iLive storms back with 33 new iPod / iPhone-friendly audio products originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading OnStar and Chevy show off Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone control apps for Volt

OnStar and Chevy show off Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone control apps for Volt originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last year, SawHorse Media, a Twitter aggregator that pioneered the concept of lists, put together the Shorty Awards. This contest and ceremony was intended to “honor the best producers of short, real-time content.”

The first show was such a success that SawHorse is currently producing a second event. Like the Webbies, the Streamys and other award shows for online content, this event will recognize the geeky heroes we probably follow more than we do real-world celebrities – the ones who make us laugh, think and act. Voting is now open in 27 categories; read on to see who’s making the grade.

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Categories range in scope from serious topics such as government, health and politics and to lighter fare such as music, culture, celebrities and humor. There are also a few geek-centric topics, such as tech, science and apps. Additionally, SawHorse has allowed users to create crowd-sourced categories, such as sexiest Twitterer and social media.

The awards are given based on each content creator’s whole Twitter oeuvre, not just a single tweet. Any Twitter user with a valid, active account can nominate and vote; votes are sent out as tweets from that user’s account. Next month, the nominees will be narrowed to five per category and referred to the hilariously named Real-Time Academy of Short Form Arts & Sciences for final judging.

Although the Academy has a spoofy name, it includes such distinguished members as MIT Media Lab’s director, Frank Moss, and Creative Commons CEO Joi Ito, among other luminaries.

Last year’s special guests included MC Hammer and Gary Vaynerchuk. There’s no word yet on who will be speaking and presenting at this year’s show, but we do know the ceremony will be held in March in New York City, and winners will be giving 140-character acceptance speeches.

Check out the site and vote for or nominate your favorite tweeters, from ShitMyDadSays to David Archuleta. And we’d appreciate a vote for ReadWriteWeb in the tech category, if you’re so inclined!

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After almost a full year of hardship, it would appear American manufacturer GM begins to get back on track, despite the fact that currently there is no government scheme in place to help it boost sales.

In all, GM sold 160,996 vehicles in the US in the last month of 2009, representing a whooping 50 percent increase over November. But this is only on the retail side of the market. Adding the fleet sales managed in December, as well as the sale of non-core brands, GM sold a total o… (read more)

By Charles S. Golvin, Contributor, Forrester Blog

We’ve just gotten data back from our most recent US Omnibus Survey, fielded in October and November of 2009, and it provides a snapshot of the US mobile phone market pretty darn close to the end of 2009.

Before examining the data, it’s important to note that the term smartphone, while widely used, doesn’t benefit from a uniform, industry-wide definition.

For Forrester, a smartphone is a mobile phone or connected handheld device that uses a high-level operating system, including iPhone OS, BlackBerry OS, Windows Mobile, PalmOS, WebOS, Symbian, and any flavor of Linux including Android.

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Google has finally rolled out a slick-looking mobile phone called the Nexus One–not just a phone but a superphone!

But it hasn’t just confined its ambitions to mere hardware and software design. It also wants to reinvent the way the mobile business works.

Heady stuff, but then again Google (GOOG) has already reinvented other industries (ask the old search engines) and is helping to reorder other ones (ask any newspaper publisher these days). 

The flip side: The Silicon Valley search giant does launch lots of other stuff too, but many of those products are now on the shelf of dusty tech curios.

Below are a few of the choicest nuggets in our slideshow. Some are first-place finishers; others had to be killed off and turned into mulch for the Google organic garden.

View the slideshow

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By Bill Gurley, Partner, Benchmark Capital

In a recent New York Times (NYT) article, Kathryn Huberty, a Morgan Stanley (MS) analyst was quoted suggesting that Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone is the key catalyst for an important new technology trend. “Applications make the smartphone trend a revolutionary trend – one we haven’t seen in consumer technology for many years.” This argument rings true in that the “after iPhone” smartphone market is dramatically more interesting than the “pre-iPhone” smartphone market.

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Each day that passes by brings even more uncertainly in the Jaime Alguersuari situation at Scuderia Toro Rosso. It’s not rocket science to figure out that the problem with his contract extension is strictly related to sponsorship money, something that the young Spaniard seems to find very difficult latelly.

However, should his management crew fail to deliver the needed sponsorship in the next few days, it’s likely that the Faenza-based bosses will start looking elsewhere for a sec… (read more)

Following Google’s purchase of AdMob and news that Apple is buying Quattro Wireless, the mobile advertising industry has passed the $1 billion in value—which is quite the accomplishment given that the total U.S. mobile advertising market was only worth $416 million in 2009. In 2010, the U.S. market will equal about half, or $593 million, of what Google (NSDQ: GOOG) and Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) just spent, according to eMarketer.

The $1 billion-dollar figure comes from adding the $750 million Google paid for AdMob, and the rumored $270 million Apple paid for Quattro. To be fair, both Google and Apple are not just looking at the immediate revenue opportunity, but rather the total future value, so it’s not correct to compare the purchase prices to one year of revenues, but it works as a point of comparison.

The billion-dollar figure is also something for other startups in the space to salivate over because it has created a high valuation for companies in the space. Yesterday, when the news leaked out that Apple was sniffing around Quattro, the rumor mill accelerated with those crossing their fingers that the $270-something figure was correct. And today, a number of mobile ad networks provided glowing statements about how the two deals validate the space. AdMob stated: “We believe that Apple’s proposed acquisition of Quattro serves as yet another validation of the vibrant mobile advertising industry and can help accelerate the pace of innovation and competition in this space.” And, Jumptap’s CMO Paran Johar took it a step further: “If there is any doubt that 2010 is the year of Mobile Advertising, Apple just cleared up any speculation. For pessimists who thought the Google acquisition of Admob was a fluke, this reinforces that mobile advertising is here to stay.”

It’s not to say that the flurry of mergers occurring is not valid, or that they won’t bleed into similar technologies (like the merger of the two analytics firms Flurry and Pinch Media). It also wouldn’t be strange to see others enter the race with companies like Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT), Yahoo (NSDQ: YHOO), or the big ad agencies, buying up their own properties.

Even if the acclaimed Chevrolet Volt is still some one year away from its market launch, American manufacturer GM already scrambles to make its entrance onto the market as easy as possible. The latest in a long line of gizmos launched in expectation of the Volt arrival is the OnStar Mobile Application, a piece of software which will allow Volt owners "24/7 connection and control of vehicle functions and OnStar features remotely."

OnStar’s system is compatible with Motoro… (read more)

The American division of Japanese carmaker Nissan today announced that December brought an increase of 18.2 percent in sales over the same period last year. Specifically, the company sold a total of 73,404 vehicles in December, up from 62,101 units in the same month of 2008.

More importantly, Nissan posted 2009 sales of 770,103 vehicles in North America, a decrease of 19.1 percent as compared to the previous year when it managed to deliver a total of 951,930 units.

… (read more)

Here’s a rendering of the Opel Astra Sports Tourer, with the Astra station wagon expected to be one of the most important Opel models to appear in 2010. After the Insignia adopted the “sports tourer” name, the Astra will also take it up, while the car itself is expected to be assembled at the Vauxhall facilities of Ellesmere Port in England.

The Astra Sports Tourer should see Opel increase sales on the back of the successful new Astra, which has already achieved more than 45,000 orders. The Opel Astra range will extend from the standard hatchback model, to the station wagon and also an Astra coupé, which could appear under the historic “Calibra” name.

Source | Autoweek.nl

Sophomore sprinter/hurdler Amaechi Morton (right) is just one of many key returners to this year’s track and field team, on both the men’s and women’s sides. The team begins its season next weekend at the University of Washington Indoor Preview. (Stanford Daily File Photo)

Track and field begins with high expectations

After a season of shattering records and further developing the indoor program, the Stanford track and field team is geared up and ready to attack another season.

With a successful season in which every single Cardinal athlete who competed at NCAA Indoor Nationals earned All-American honors, the team will hope to do so once more, in addition to securing top positions in all events. The women captured the MPSF title last season, the first time since 2006. As a testament to the depth of the women’s team, they placed in nearly every single event. Following this spectacular performance, the women proceeded to continue their success with numerous top finishes at the NCAA Indoor National Championships.

The Cardinal will definitely miss some of last year’s seniors, including Lauren Centrowitz, Alicia Follmar, Idara Otu and Claire Cormier-Thielke. However, the returners for the Stanford women form an intimidating force. The group consists of, but is not limited to, junior Arantxa King, sophomore Mia Lattanzi, sophomore Laurynne Chetelat and junior Whitney Liehr.

“I am very excited and anxious for this upcoming indoor season,” King said. “The team is heading into the season with a strong freshman class, a tough quarter of preseason training and an overall new positive and competitive mentality.”

With a massive recruiting class of 14 freshmen women, the team will certainly pose a stiff threat to the competition.

“The freshmen girls will help the team win the MPSF title this year,” said freshman Karynn Dunn, whose individual goal is to qualify for the NCAA Championships in long jump and the 100-meter hurdles.

“The women’s team has an enormous amount of potential,” King added. “I am confident that we will do well this season. We are focused and are really looking forward to bringing home a team title.”

This will be King’s first completely healthy season since her freshman year.

“Personally, I am looking to have a breakthrough season,” she affirmed. “I am concentrated on jumping consistently for the ultimate goal of performing well at NCAAs.”

The men will be returning some top performers from last year, including sophomore Chris Derrick, who placed fourth at Nationals last year in the 5,000 meters with a time of 13:48.26. Derrick will be joined by teammate Elliott Heath, a redshirt sophomore who placed third in the 3,000 meters at Nationals with a time of 7:54.59.

The men’s team will miss the leadership and dominance in the hurdles of 2009 graduate Myles Bradley. However, the team boasts a large class of 17 recruits, providing great depth for the Cardinal men.

“The track team has a lot of young talent this year looking to do big things in NCAAs,” said senior Justin Reed.

Other top returners for the men include sophomore Amaechi Morton, who had an incredible outdoor season last year, as well as senior Ryan Fisicaro. With a strong foundation of seniors and leaders on the team, built upon with the fresh energy of the freshmen, the men will prove a dominant force in the league and have their eyes set on a championship title.

The men and women will go into action for the indoor season on the weekend of Jan. 16, competing in Seattle at the University of Washington Indoor Preview.

OCZ announced their new line of SSDs for the first part of 2010, and it includes an external USB 3.0 SSD that can transfer at speeds up to 357 megabytes per second.

The portable drive is expected to come in 64, 128 and 256-gigabyte sizes, but pricing and availability are still unknown. [Engadget]

The New England Soup Factory has a hardcover cookbook filled with customer favorites. New England Soup Factory Cookbook features easy-to-find ingredients, simple instructions and plenty of food photography to motivate you to get cooking.

New England Soup Factory Chef Marjorie is committed to sourcing only the best quality ingredients from local markets to simmer soup from scratch and capture seasonal flavors for a wholesome meal in a bowl. With the new cookbook, Marjorie’s homemade recipes are at your fingertips. The book would make a thoughtful Valentine’s present for the home chef and soup lover on your list.

I’ve included a recipe from the cookbook for Potato Crab and Gorgonzola Soup. It’s sure to keep you warm during this very cold winter!

Potato Crab and Gorgonzola Soup from New England Soup Factory Cookbook: More Than 100 Recipes from the Nation’s Best Purveyor of Fine Soup by Marjorie Druker

Ingredients

• 3T butter
• 4 whole garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 Spanish onion, peeled and diced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 6 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 6 C lobster stock
• 1 can (8oz) tomato paste
• 2 C sherry
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 t celery salt
• 2 C heavy cream
• 1 pound cooked crabmeat
• 1 C crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (reserve about 1/2C for garnish)
• ½ bunch chopped fresh basil (reserve about 1 T for garnish)
• 5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 5 dashes Tabasco sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

In a stockpot, melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the garlic, onion, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook an additional 5 minutes. Add lobster stock, tomato paste, sherry, bay leaves and celery salt. Bring to a boil Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are soft and tender, 30-25 minutes.

Remove and discard the bay leaves. Remove from the heat and add the cream. Puree the soup in the pot using a hand blender or working in batches with a regular blender until smooth and creamy. Add crabmeat, cheese, basil, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt and pepper. Stir well. Return the pot to the heat and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, adding a bit more sherry to taste. Garnish each serving with the crumbled cheese, and extra crabmeat and chopped basil.

Makes 10 servings.

(Image courtesy New England Soup Factory)

Post from: Blisstree

Recipe from New England Soup Factory

Having 3 years of history behind the current generation Nissan Skyline, a fact which began taking its toll of the consumers’ appeal for the car, the Japanese carmaker decided to throw onto the market a revised version of both the sedan and coupe Skylines, with modifications brought to both the exterior and interior, as well as to the performance of the vehicle.

For the sedan, Nissan went for a more masculine look, adding a new grille, bumper and headlamps. The fog lights have been… (read more)

A part of the American dream goes to India, as Harley-Davidson announced its 12 models line-up for 2010. The selection includes bikes from each of its five families for Indian enthusiasts.

"For over a century, Harley-Davidson has inspired motorcyclists across the world to celebrate their passion for riding. Our experience in leading the leisure motorcycle market worldwide makes us naturally suited to help lead and define leisure riding in India" said Anoop Prakash, Mana… (read more)