News

Kyocera looks to create multi-headed Hydro

LAS VEGAS -- Kyocera is looking to capitalize on one of the phones that has been a quiet success story for the company.

The Kyorcera Hydro has been one of the top 10 selling smartphones each month since its launch in August, according to ITG Majestics. The company is looking to build on the Hydro name with the introduction of two new phones, the lower-end Hydro Edge and mid-tier Hydro XTRM.

The Hydro Edge is a low-end phone destined for Sprint Nextel's contract service and Boost's prepaid service. It will launch later this summer; its price has yet … Read more

Waterproof, shockproof Kyocera Hydro XTRM available today (hands-on)

LAS VEGAS -- In addition to introducing the midrange Hydro Edge, Kyocera also revealed its slightly more decked-out Hydro XTRM.

Unlike its Edge sibling, which is only waterproof and operates on 3G networks, the XTRM (pronounced "extreme") is both waterproof and shockproof, and runs on U.S. Cellular's 4G LTE data speeds.

You can order the XTRM online today for $29.99 after sending in a mail-in rebate and signing a two-year carrier agreement. Retail stores will begin selling the device starting May 24.

Design Because the XTRM fulfills certain military spec standards for shockproof capabilities, it … Read more

Spot expands lineup with satellite-powered Global Phone

Satellite phones may seem like a niche technology, and in many ways they are. You won't need one while roaming city streets, but they can be invaluable if you're ever trekking far from civilization -- though that didn't stop this guy from using the HTC One on Mt. Everest.

If you're an in-the-wilds type, then Spot has a new option for you. On Monday, the company announced the Spot Global Phone, a satellite handset that promises a voice and data connection in hard-to-reach places.

Though most satellite phones tend to be bulky, the Spot Global weighs … Read more

Google+ app for Android gets post-I/O overhaul

The Google+ app for Android was updated on Monday, picking up many of the features found in the recently refreshed desktop client.

Like the Web version unveiled at Google I/O, Google+ for Android provides users with options such as automatic photo enhancements and Auto Awesome. Other features include the instant hashtagging, quick access to Hangouts, and improved notifications.

Building off of the tools that came with Snapseed, Google+ for Android allows for a myriad ways to edit and adjust photos. With the 4.0 update, it's easier than ever to rotate, crop, filter, and tweak your pictures before … Read more

Sony teases PS4 ahead of Xbox reveal

CNET Update gets excited about shapes:

In this episode of Update:

- See how Yahoo gets into the Tumblr spirit after buying the blogging site for $1.1 billion. Brace yourself for more ads while Yahoo looks into ways to profit off Tumblr.

- Squint to guess what Sony is showing in this PlayStation 4 teaser video, posted on the eve of the next Xbox unveiling.

- Hold off on buying a new MacBook Air as speculation builds over a new model.

- Fantasize over future tech with bendable, unbreakable screens.

- Drop some knowledge into Pinterest with Rich Pins … Read more

Order vintage-style photo prints from your iPhone

It's one thing to share your photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but sometimes you just want old-fashioned prints. You know, the kind you can stick to your fridge, clip to a board, hang on a wall, and so on. That's especially true if you want to share fond memories with friends or family members. You know, the kind you get from a wedding, vacation, birthday party, and so on.

Printic turns your iPhone photos into Polaroid-style prints, then delivers them to one or more recipients. It's a simple concept, done well.… Read more

Yahoo confirms $1.1B Tumblr buy, promises 'not to screw it up'

Microblogging service Tumblr is being acquired by Yahoo.

Yahoo announced the deal early Monday, along with a "promise not to screw it up." The Internet pioneer is paying $1.1 billion for Tumblr, "substantially all of which is payable in cash," Yahoo said.

The news had been expected. The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that the Yahoo board had approved the deal.

Under the terms of the deal, Yahoo will allow Tumblr, which has over 300 million monthly unique visitors, to operate as a completely separate entity that retains "the same Tumblr irreverence, wit, and … Read more

CTIA 2013 preview: Spring show quietly fades away

LAS VEGAS -- When Ashton Kutcher and Jennifer Lopez are the biggest draws for a technology show, there's a problem.

The CTIA Wireless trade group's spring show officially kicks off for the last time on Tuesday. It marks an unceremonious end to the conference, which next year will merge with its sister show in the fall to better align itself with the holiday shopping season.

While CTIA still touts itself as the largest wireless show in North America, its influence and importance have waned in the last few years. CTIA has always had the misfortune of following at … Read more

Finally, Jaguar gets sexy again: F-Type on the back roads of England (CNET On Cars, Episode 18)

Subscribe:

iTunes (HD) | iTunes (SD) | iTunes (HQ)

RSS (HD) | RSS (SD) | RSS (HQ)

Follow @CNETOnCars

This episode we welcome our colleagues from CNET UK who produce the XCar video series. They approach cars in a way that is different yet complimentary to my car tech videos, and we'll be featuring one in each episode going forward. We kick it off by giving them top billing with their lovely video impression of the new Jaguar F-Type, which we have yet to get into the CNET garage in San Francisco. This XCar piece is a nice way … Read more