Hasta La Gadget!

The other day we reported that Apple had confirmed that they had just closed a deal with Israeli-based tech company, PrimeSense, which saw Apple acquire the company for anywhere between $300-$350 million. It had been rumored that due to PrimeSense’s early involvement with the Microsoft Kinect sensor, at least the first-generation, that Apple could be looking at using the motion detecting technology and incorporate it into the company’s rumored iTV. However while that might be a possibility, new information has surfaced that has suggested Apple’s interest in PrimeSense might not necessarily be TV-related.

According to Jessica Lessin, her sources have informed her that PrimeSense’s motion-sensing technology is actually considered to be “a little bit behind” and that Microsoft does not actually use it in its Kinect. However what PrimeSense’s technology is more adept at doing is mapping, where companies such as Matterport uses its chips in its cameras for mapping three-dimensional spaces. When Apple first launched their Maps app, it was considered to be something of a disaster and there were numerous complaints about how it was inaccurate and how it lacked features when compared to the likes of Google Maps.

With this new information and if accurate, it looks like Apple is definitely taking its Maps development seriously and we could start seeing more features and functionality coming to the app in the future.

Apple’s PrimeSense Acquisition Could Be Used To Improve Maps original content from Ubergizmo.

The Xbox One has finally arrived at chez Lawler, so Richard and Ben gets things headed in Microsoft’s direction right off the bat. As with the PS4, this console still could use some time in the oven, but it probably could take the heat — its fan hasn’t made a peep after days of “always on” use. This show isn’t just about consoles though; LG’s nefarious activities fall under scrutiny and service updates are popping up all over, including Chromecast’s adoption of HBO Go. So please join us for this pre-holiday edition of the Engadget HD Podcast at the streaming links below… before your food coma sets in.

Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh, Richard Lawler

Producer: Jon Turi

Hear the podcast:

Filed under: Podcasts, HD

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Popular Android tweak tool CyanogenMod Installer has been pulled from the Google Play store, after developers Cyanogen were warned by Google that if they didn’t yank it, the search giant would. Released earlier this month, the CyanogenMod Installer Application effectively opens up an Android device to easier installation of the CyanogenMod package itself; as we […]

A model Airbus A380, built by Peter Michel, taking off at a model-airplane show.

(Credit: Screen shot by CNET)

Soaring over the airshow, the A380 looks as it should — its double-decker fuselage wowing the crowd watching from below.

But while Airbus’ A380 is the world’s-largest passenger plane, this aircraft doesn’t even have a pilot, at least not one on board. In fact, this is a remote-control scale model of an A380. Built by Peter Michel, the model, made to look like a Singapore Airlines A380, took eight “months, 5,000 working hours, and a whole lot of Styrofoam and lightweight balsa wood” to take air. Plus what appears to be some very cool scale-model jet engines (see video below).

This plane has definitely resonated with aviation fans. As of this writing, the YouTube video showing its flight has been viewed more than 2.7 million times.

According to information provided with the video, the plane is 15.8 feet long, has a wingspan of 17.4 feet, weighs 156.1 pounds, and has a 2.6-gallon fuel tank that burns through 0…. [Read more]

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We had snow today and my thoughts turned to the slopes. I love everything about winter, including the snow and cold temperatures. I love skiing and sleigh riding. Every year my husband promises to check out snowboarding. Let’s check out some equipment that can have him at least looking cool on the mountainside…

Welcome Nike’s LunarEndor QS snowboarding boots designed with ultra responsive cushioning, with a special 3-D molded upper providing maximum warmth and a truly ergonomic fit. Nifty, changeable inserts located at the side of the boot actually lets you choose from 3 different support levels, depending on preference or conditions.

To keep the cool-factor alive, the LunarEndor QS boots have a Swoosh trademark that is uniquely illuminated by 30 LED lights and powered by small embedded lithium-ion batteries. The boot’s on/off switch is conveniently located along the boot’s cuff so you can light up the night, or the lodge, whenever you want to.

The Nike LunarENDOR certainly seems to be one of the most technologically advanced snowboard boots available. The addition of Nike’s Lunarlon foam looks to absorb some of the impact encountered on your journey, as well as provide a gentler, more responsive ride, These boots also offer  you superior support in order to help keep your legs and hips more naturally aligned…nice.

The 500 dollar Nike Snowboarding LunarENDOR QS boots will be available mid-December and in very limited quantities at nike.com or local Nike SB retailers, or get the NON special edition boots, minus the light up electronics for around 430 bucks… see you on the slopes.
[ Nike LunarENDOR QS Snowboarding Boots – Out of this World copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]