Crave

The Motion uses an electric motor to drive the front wheels, and an Ecoboost engine on the rear axle.

(Credit: Kepler Motors)

The phrase "hybrid supercar" gets plenty of use these days as a variety of automotive start-ups combine electric motors and gas engines to get outstanding 0 to 60 mph times, usually combined with claims of world-beating range on a single tank of gas. And we get excited every time we run across a new one. That's why a news release from Kepler Motors spiked our adrenaline when we saw it in the Monday morning in-box.

Kepler developed the Motion, a concept hybrid to debut at the 2009 Dubai International Motor Show. What's interesting about this car is that it uses Ford's new Ecoboost engine, a twin turbo direct injection 3.5-liter V-6 to drive the rear wheels, while an electric motor drives the fronts, giving the car all-wheel-drive. And we assume there is some control software to drive the wheels at the same speeds.

Even more interesting, and showing the potential of Ford's Ecoboost engine, is that Kepler tweaked it to output 550 horsepower. In the Lincoln MKS we tested recently, the same engine only makes 355 horsepower. The electric motor on the front wheels produces 250 horsepower, making for a combined 800 horsepower for the powertrain. But we wonder how much of that power actually gets put to the ground.

Kepler says the Motion will get to 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds, but doesn't specify whether that number is based on actual tests or calculations. With this hybrid supercar announcement, there were no claims as to range.

To keep the weight down, the Motion uses a carbon fiber body, along with carbon ceramic brake rotors. Kepler says the two-seat cabin is designed to hold people of above-average size, suggesting the company expects luxury buyers rather than racers.

Don't expect to see one in your neighborhood, though--Kepler will only build 50, with production starting in 2011.

Contrasting contrasts: The Kindle on the right is the new global-wireless model.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

When the Kindle 2 was first released, we reported on the small controversy over how dark the text and images appeared on the screen compared to the original Kindle. Held side by side, the original appeared to have better contrast and the text appeared slightly darker--and slightly easier to read.

Well, when we reviewed the new AT&T-powered version of the Kindle 2, which Amazon calls "Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)," we noticed that the text appeared darker on this model than on the older Sprint-powered Kindle 2. It's not a huge difference but it's definitely noticeable (see photo above).

While that's a good thing, we're not sure when Amazon made the transition to the slightly improved screen. It very well could have showed up on later revs of the Sprint-powered Kindle or it may have appeared with the introduction of the international AT&T-powered version. Alas, repeated e-mails to an Amazon PR spokesperson have gone unanswered, so we haven't been able to get official word from the company on what it did--or didn't do--to the screen.

When the initial controversy flared up, some Kindle owners wondered whether a firmware upgrade would remedy the contrast issue. We still don't know the answer to that, but we're hoping Amazon will clarify the contrast question for us (if it does, we'll update this post), especially with Barnes & Noble's Nook shipping within the month.

In the meantime, you can read our full review of the AT&T-powered Kindle and if you happen to have compared this model with the Sprint-powered Kindle and noticed a difference between the black levels, please post a comment.

(Credit: NASA)

The International Space Station isn't just an orbiting laboratory, spaceship testing ground, and multinational geek fest--it's also the world's highest (250 miles) and fastest (17,500 mph) computer network. We burrow under its metal skin and siphon out its most interesting specifications, like some kind of star-hopping alien data vampires (but without the plutonium-coated fangs).

Read more of "Space Station IT: High technology" at Crave UK.

(Credit: Amazon)

Just weeks after announcing a new $279 international version of its Kindle e-book reader, Amazon has chopped $20 off its price and made that model its only Kindle offering for both the domestic U.S. and international markets. In the process, the company has eliminated the U.S. version of the device, which used Sprint as the carrier for the Kindle's built-in wireless capabilities. Now, for better or worse, new Kindles will tap into AT&T's data network, which will also be the wireless provider behind Barnes & Noble's upcoming Nook e-book reader.

For those who bought the international version in recent weeks, Amazon is crediting buyers with a $20 refund. Here's the note it sent out to customers:

Good news! Due to strong customer demand for our newest Kindle with U.S. and international wireless, we are consolidating our family of 6-inch Kindles. As part of this consolidation, we are lowering the price of the Kindle you just purchased from $279 down to $259. You don't need to do anything to get the lower price--we are automatically issuing you a $20 refund. This refund should be processed in the next few days and will appear as a credit on your next billing statement.

If you bought U.S domestic version in recent days, you should get the AT&T-powered version. (We're looking into whether you can return an earlier U.S. Kindle for the newer model if you bought the U.S. one in the last 30 days).

For now anyway Amazon is not totally ditching Sprint. Drew Herdener, Amazon.com's director of communications, confirmed that the Kindle DX will continue to use Sprint's data network (no international version of the DX has been announced) and no Sprint-powered Kindle devices will have their wireless cut off.

As for reports that the Web browser is not available in the international Kindle, they may not be completely accurate. According to Engadget, Gadget Lab is reporting that you can get to the English version of Wikipedia, which leaves some hope that Amazon may open the browser to other sites. When we get the official word on what the new Kindle's browsing capabilities will be, we'll update this post.

Comments?

Now you can type in landscape mode!

(Credit: Screenshot by Daren Darrow/CNET)

The WebOS Internals crew on Friday released a virtual keyboard patch for the Palm Pre.

Now, with the homebrew patch installed (homebrew apps are developed and distributed through third-party sources, not Palm or through the official App Catalog), Pre users can type without opening the slider keyboard.

Having an onscreen keyboard is a godsend for browsing the Web in landscape mode. Instead of rotating the phone and using the built-in keyboard, users can now just double-tap the gesture area and type away--without all the twisting, sliding, and pressing.

The patch modifies the operation of the onscreen keyboard that WebOS uses to insert symbols with the slider keyboard. The patch works well, but has at least one hang-up: You can't use it for all text entry areas. It can be used to type a URL in a Web browser, but not to fill in forms on Web sites. Even with this issue, it's better than not having a virtual keyboard, at least until Palm releases an update that includes one.

While there are a lot of steps to installing homebrew apps and patches, they are not difficult to perform. People new to the homebrew scene should just follow the instructions.

To install the patch, follow the steps that PreCentral posted on its blog. To install WebOS Quick Install, follow the steps in its forum.

Requirements: Palm Pre with developer mode enabled, WebOS Quick Installer or command line access to the phone.

(Source: PreCentral)

(Credit: Yanko Design)

This handy portable map projector equipped with GPS makes getting lost a thing of the past. All you need is a surface to shine your map on. A friend's forehead would do.

Designed by Jinsun Park and Seonkeun Park of South Korea's Samsung Art & Design Institute, the Maptor is somewhat similar to this map/flashlight we profiled awhile back, but far more convenient. Not only do you not have to bother with tiresome unfolding of paper, you don't have to search for your location, thanks to the GPS function that points it out.

(Credit: IDSA)

A button lets you zoom in or out of the projected image, and the unit is small enough to hang from your neck on a lanyard, though who would really want to do that? Far better in a utility belt!

Made of biodegradable plastic, Maptor--which has not yet on the market--has a simple on/off toggle and a switch to control zoom and map size. It can download maps via Bluetooth connection and is battery-powered like a regular flashlight.

One question is how readable the map would be in daylight. Would users have to scurry into the closest tunnel to get a fix on their position?

Still, this would likely make a handy gizmo for directionally challenged people everywhere.

The Maptor picked up a silver award at the 2009 International Design Excellence Awards organized by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). Samsung beat Apple in the showing, earning eight awards to Apple's seven.

(Via Yanko Design)

I know science thinks it can do everything.

I know robots will soon be ordering us around like wait staff at the Ritz.

But I am gravely concerned about an experiment that has been going on up there in space.

Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata, who returned to earth Friday, had been on the International Space Station since March. And, well, I don't know quite how I am to put this, but he didn't change his underwear for a month.

I know what you're thinking. We're both thinking the same thing.

Not even in the the darkest, most slovenly days of our student youth did we wear the same pair of knickers for 30 days. Around seven days was our limit. Then we'd at least manage a hand wash in a sink.

But here was the intrepid Wakata, prepared for the sake of all our futures to don anti-static, flame-resistant, odor-eating, bacteria-killing, water-absorbent underpants. Yes, water-absorbent.

Will we only have two pairs in the drawer one day? Or even one?

(Credit: CC Mike52ad/Flickr)

I know that there was a lady astronaut a little while ago who wore diapers on a long car journey, but this is surely couture from another realm.

The London Times quoted Wakata as saying, pre-landing: "I haven't talked about this underwear to my crew members."

This is quite understandable. I rarely talk about my underwear to my clients. Not even my underwear clients. However, wasn't just the occasional merest stink caused by this novel eco-friendly fashion show?

"I wore it for about a month and my station crew members never complained, so I think the experiment went fine," he said.

Well, now, in polite society one doesn't normally comment when a fellow worker suffers something of a digestional malfunction, so how can Wakata be sure that his fellow astronauts weren't furtively making sniffy remarks about certain odors emanating from his person?

I know you'll be wondering what astronauts normally do with their soiled undies. Firstly, they take them off. Then they pack them up with the trash, which they shoot into outer space on human-less Russian cargo ships. On the way, the dirty undies are cremated.

But here's the thing with Wakata's undergarments: the Japanese space agency, Jaxa, which designed them, has no firm idea just how well they performed their task.

Which makes two pulsating thoughts thud around my cranium.

One: what if the anti-static, flame-resistant, odor-eating, bacteria-killing, water-absorbent qualities didn't work so well? Especially the last two. What effects might imperfect performance have on poor Mr. Wakata's inner well-being?

And two, I must do the washing.

Aww, isn't it cute?

(Credit: Entertainment Earth)

Update: Entertainment Earth mentioned to me that despite what it says on the box, the bobblehead doesn't talk. But you're free to pretend all you want.

Well, wouldn't you know it, San Diego Comic-Con International (affectionately known as Nerd Prom) is only a few days away, and guess who's mad he's not going?

I tried to console myself by thinking, "Aw, it's probably gonna suck anyway. You won't see anything interesting."

Even when I saw the guest list, I kept up the sentiment, though there were giant cracks in the facade (Ray Bradbury? I'm missing Ray Bradbury?).

But when I saw some of the SDCC-exclusive toys and realized they wouldn't adorn my desk because--and I'm not sure I've mentioned this enough times--I'm not going, I got full-on P.O.ed.

Just as an example, here's a nifty Spock bobblehead. Yawn, you're saying. You've seen Spock bobbleheads. Ah, but this one, an Entertainment Earth exclusive for the convention, has a clear body which, when you push his head, looks like it's being beamed away, complete with light-up effect.

Why, Entertainment Earth? Why do you taunt me with such things?

And while you can preorder them from the site, they'll be shipping while supplies last after the convention, so if all 1,500 sell out at the con (they're only $13.99 each, so there's a good chance they will), you're out of luck.

The 404 studio starts its transition from toxic-waste dump site into a full-on video production system with the help of Buzz Out Loud star Jason Howell. Seriously, there are about six cameras in here pointed at things I don't even want to mention.

(Credit: Print Screen/CNET/Tricaster)

Lots on today's show. First, the Interwebs have tracked down the location of the suspected Domino's Pizza where a few employees rolled dough down their backs and stuck cheese up their nose. Speaking of douche bags, there's a new book coming out highlighting the antics of "that guy." You know, the one that strikes up a conversation at the urinal or, like Justin, who sends you pictures that leave you having nightmares. Rounding out the first half of the show, a 6-year-old boy can't return a brand-new PSP to Wal-Mart after he discovers pr0n on it.

On the second half, we've got some great voice mails, including a call from a special someone in Hawaii who wants to have Justin's babies. Stephen Colbert gets a treadmill named after him aboard the International Space Station. If you're addicted to the Internet, there's an application on the Mac that will help. And finally, AT&T allows parents and jealous boyfriends and girlfriends to track the location of their loved ones. Call it a social network and it's not big brother; it's awesometown.

Again, please RSVP for tomorrow night's BOL and 404 meetup at the Delancey in New York City at 7:30 p.m. Right now, only age 21 and up can come. We're working on trying to get 18+ to get in, but no guarantees. It is a bar, after all. If you can't make it though, please call in at 1-866-404-CNET (2638) to leave a callback or message about something asinine one of us said.