Twitter makes it easy to find first tweets

Samsung sets a high price for its smartwatches, Google lets you snap a photo with voice commands, and Twitter celebrates its eighth birthday by looking back at users' first tweets.

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'Say hello to my e-go': 10 funny first tweets we love

While many first tweets centered on dull daily details or confusion about what Twitter even does, Jedi Master tweeters treated their first 140-character messages like a night at the comedy club.

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OnePlus confirms April 23rd launch date for its first smartphone

One One may occupy all of today's headlines, but there's another One that wants some of your attention. OnePlus, the outfit founded by former Oppo VP Pete Lau, has announced that it'll whip the covers from its "perfect" Android smartphone on April 23rd. Even at this late stage, however, the company is tweaking the spec list for the device -- swapping in a Snapdragon 801 for just a little bit extra power. Naturally, we'll be at the shindig, and will share our impressions as soon as we get our hands on one.

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Via: Engadget Chinese

Source: OnePlus (Google

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HTC One available today in the US, Verizon gets it in-store first

By now you probably know if you need HTC's shiny new One in your life -- now it all comes down to where and when you can nab it. Thanks to some wheeling and dealing, Verizon Wireless has a head start in the US: Online and in-store sales start today at 1 PM Eastern. AT&T and Sprint will kick off their online sales at that time too, but you can't waltz into one of their brick-and-mortar stores to find one until April 11th. As you might expect, the 16GB model will cost you $199, while the 32GB model comes in at $249... and if the thought of contracts makes you ill, you can buy one sans agreement for $649. The lone standout is T-Mobile, which won't sell the device until some time next month (we've reached out for clarification and will update this story as we learn more). Of course, everything above assumes you want your carrier's blessing. Don't forget: HTC will sell unlocked and developer versions for $649 on its website, and a $699 Play Edition version should hit the Google Play Store soon too.

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Tags: android, htc, htcone, newhtcone, sense, smartphone Next: HTC opens up BlinkFeed, allows apps like Foursquare and Fitbit to push data to your homescreen
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Time Warner Cable says 'me too,' issues first transparency report

Not to be outdone by its competitors (or future owner), Time Warner Cable has released a transparency report of its own. From January to June last year, the telco obeyed some 12,000 information requests from the government that break down as such. Of the legal requests, 82 percent were for subpoenas, 12 percent were for court orders and four percent related to search warrants. Seventy-seven percent of the time that data was requested, it was subscriber and transactional info that was disclosed, 20 percent resulted in no data shared at all and three percent of the time, content information was disclosed. Because the report doesn't give exact numbers, though, comparing the precise amount of requests that TWC handled with its competitors isn't exactly easy.

Time-Warner releases first Transparency Report. http://t.co/xeL8x0XiXr Keep 'em coming!

- Kurt Opsahl (

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LG's first smart light bulb flashes when you get a phone call

LG isn't about to let household heavyweights like Philips corner the connected lighting space -- it just unveiled the Smart Lamp, its first take on the concept. The 10W LED bulb gives Android and iOS users a familiar level of control over their illumination, including a light-based alarm clock and a security mode that pretends you're at home. There are a couple of noteworthy tricks in this initial offering, however. The light connects through both Bluetooth and WiFi, letting it pull the sync-based stunts we've seen in a few other bulbs: it can flash when you get a phone call, or (with Android) pulse to the beat of the music. The Smart Lamp is more expensive than ordinary LEDs at 35,000 won ($32) in LG's native Korea, but it could be a good deal if you don't need the many-colored lighting of Hue and similar systems. Unfortunately, there's no word on whether or not it's coming to the US.

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Via: Android Central

Source: LG (translated)

Tags: android, HomeAutomation, household, internetofthings, ios, iphone, led, lg, lighting, smartbulb, smartlamp, SmartLighting Next: Switched On: Return of the digital hub
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Comcast's first transparency report reveals over 25,000 government data requests

Comcast must not want to feel left out as telcos begin publishing regular government data request statistics -- the cable giant has just posted its first transparency report. The document reveals that Comcast obeyed more than 25,000 government demands for info during 2013, including 24,698 criminal requests (such as warrants) and 961 emergency requests. There isn't as much detail for national security requests due to federal rules, but the report shows that Comcast isn't under quite as much scrutiny as its peers. The provider received less than 1,000 national security letters last year, while Verizon reported between 1,000 and 1,999; AT&T says it got between 2,000 and 2,999. The differences aren't surprising when Comcast has no cellular customers these days. However, those numbers are bound to grow if Comcast succeeds in buying Time Warner Cable.

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Via: The Verge

Source: Comcast (1), (2, PDF)

Tags: comcast, fisa, hdpostcross, internet, isp, nationalsecurityletter, privacy, security, surveillance, television, transparency, transparencyreport, tv Next: Twitter now shows you video previews inside its mobile apps .fyre .fyre-comment-divider

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Feedback Loop: Earliest internet memories, first tweets and more!

davely1 day ago 0

Welcome to Feedback Loop, a weekly roundup of the most interesting discussions happening within the Engadget community. There's so much technology to talk about and so little time to enjoy it, but you have a lot of great ideas and opinions that need to be shared! Join us every Saturday as we highlight some of the most interesting discussions that happened during the past week.

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Say hello to the Oppo Find 7: phone leaks for the first time, retail packaging and all

After narrowly missing on the first-to-1080p crown, Oppo is back with another attempt to storm the display front with the Find 7. The company itself has confirmed that while a 1080p version of the Find 7 will be made available, a model with a Quad HD (1440x2560) display is going to be the real breakthrough. Naturally, and despite Oppo again forfeiting the number one spot to rival Vivo, this got us pretty anxious to finally meet the 5.5-inch Find 7, and today we did. 
Days before its March 19th official announcement event, the folks behind Chinese IT168 have gotten their hands on a retail unit of the Find 7, complete with its packaging. What we're looking at is obviously a pretty large device, even though we can't quite tell just how large. It's definitely a Find series phone and reminds us a lot of the original Find 5, even though there are still some noticeable changes on the rear, like a different camera unit with less ornamentation, and a much wider speaker grill.
We're also a bit disappointed to see Oppo re-use the otherwise great box that the 5.9-inch N1 comes in. Don't get us wrong, we loved the unboxing part with the N1, which is exactly why we were hoping for something just as cool, but different. 
The Oppo Find 7 Fullscreen More popular slideshows

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First Sony Xperia T2 Ultra camera samples appear

With manufacturers shifting their focus to China, early access to upcoming products for locals is becoming more and more commonplace. The Sony Xperia T2 Ultra is case in point, as Chinese ePrice have managed to get their hands on two units of the new Sony phablet. After snapping a handful of photos of the two devices, our Chinese colleagues went out for the obligatory point-and-shoot stroll, and we've got you the results.
Before we get to those, lets have a quick recap on the hardware that made those possible. We've got a 13-megapixel shooter complete with an Exmor RS sensor for mobile, a combo that Sony boasted is "best-in-class". You can judge for yourself, but do keep in mind that what we have here are actually images snapped at 8.7-megapixels (3920x2204), likely the result of shooting in 16:9 aspect ratio (and not 4:3). While this is far from a final verdict, we'd say that the results are a mixed bag. Anyway, check them out.
First Sony Xperia T2 Ultra camera samples Fullscreen More popular slideshows

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This week in games: First Strike, Surgeon Simulator, and Glorkian Warrior are now available for iOS

"http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/53908-image/This-week-in-games-First-Strike-Surgeon-Simulator-and-Glorkian-Warrior-are-now-available-for-iOS.jpg" alt

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Goodyear unveils next-gen blimp, first in 45 years

The tire company will ply the skies with an all-new zeppelin that will go faster and be more efficient than its current blimps -- and you could name it.

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Xbox One's Skype app gets first refresh: contact filtering, longer chat logs and more

Skype for Xbox One -- or as we like to call it, SuperSkype Extreme -- is getting its first update today. Tired of looking through offline contacts to find out if Larry's online? This update allows for filtration by availability! Tired of Larry lying about things he said last week? This update adds longer chat logs ("up to 1,000 messages, rather than just the past seven days")! Tired of Larry's constant use of smiley face emoticons? This update has "hidden" (totally not hidden) Captain America: The Winter Soldier emoticons! Tired of Larry's Skype always crashing? This update squashes a variety of launch bugs.

Really though, it sounds like you're just tired of Larry. Maybe it's time to finally move on.

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Source: Skype

Tags: hdpostcross, microsoft, skype, update, xboxone Next: WhatsApp's VoIP feature for iOS revealed in leaked screenshots
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Goodyear's first new blimp design in 45 years... isn't actually a blimp

For 45 years, Goodyear has been using the same ole model for its Blimp fleet, famous for flashing ads in the skies and taking aerial shots of big events. Now, the tire company has finally launched the first dirigible in its next-generation fleet, and it's not even a blimp anymore -- it's a zeppelin. Considering blimp technology's remained largely the same all this time (imagine, the last time Goodyear bothered with a new design was when Apollo 11 landed on the moon), the switch is certainly understandable. This model (called Zeppelin NT) is capable of vertical take off and landing, and is larger and faster than the company's current airships, thanks to its three movable engines. Unlike traditional zeppelins with rigid structures, though, it's more of a zeppelin-blimp hybrid, as it relies both on internal pressure and a frame to maintain its shape.

The new aircraft, which set the company back $20 million, is 52 feet longer and 20mph faster (at 246 feet long with a max speed of 73mph) than Goodyear's current ones. It's the first of three zeppelins the company plans to build, and it's slated to begin its test flights sometime this month from Wingfoot Lake Hangar in Ohio. Wondering how it feels to fly on a dirigible? We hope you're good at naming things, then, because Goodyear's taking suggestions for the airship's name. The winner will get exclusive use of the zeppelin -- and its bathroom with a window! -- for a day.

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Via: CNET

Source: Goodyear, Cleveland.com

Tags: airship, blimp, dirigible, Goodyear, zeppelin Next: Adult Swim cartoon jumps from cable to Instagram in 15-second chunks .fyre .fyre-comment-divider

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Xiaomi launches MIUI for tablets, new Nexus 7 gets first dibs

While Xiaomi has yet to launch its very own tablet (the Eden Tab doesn't count), you can now get a first taste of its tablet-friendly MIUI Android ROM, which is available as an open beta for the 2013 edition Nexus 7. According to the company, this isn't merely a scaled up version of MIUI V5, as it has a "brand new architecture" with content -- including native apps, system menus and new screen animations -- optimized for both screen orientations. Interestingly, CEO Lei Jun added that tablet vendors can get in touch if they want to ship their devices with MIUI preloaded, which would be a first for non-Xiaomi hardware. Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean Lei's not making his own tablets in the near future; but as of now, there are no reliable rumors of such plan.

If you have a new Nexus 7 lying around and don't mind giving MIUI a go, then head over to MIUI's website to grab the 278MB download.

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Via: Lei Jun (Sina Weibo) (1), (2)

Source: MIUI

Tags: android, asus, china, miui, nexus7, Nexus72013, pad, rom, tablet, xiaomi Next: Samsung Galaxy Beam successor spotted in China (updated)
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XOLO getting ready to launch first Windows tablet in India

LAVA’s premium device maker, XOLO is about to begin selling its first Windows powered tablet, the XOLO Win. The company is better known for its line of Intel packing, Android powered smartphones and tablets.

The Win has a standard form factor, 10.1-inch, 1280x800 screen. Underneath is a dual-core AMD A4-1200 CPU tuned to 1.0GHz (known as

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This music service wants to be the first on Samsung's smartwatches

7digital really wants to put its music store on Samsung's new Gear smartwatches. Really badly. Need proof? The company has announced plans to release a hybrid shopping and streaming app for Tizen devices in the second quarter of the year, and it's eagerly highlighting the app's support for wearables -- at last check, Samsung is the only major firm producing wearable Tizen gadgets. The music provider isn't being subtle about its intentions, then, even though it's not making any official connection between its software and the Gear line. If nothing else, 7digital would be a logical fit for the hardware. The company has a history of being the first to offer music services on young platforms, and it was the backbone for Samsung's Music Hub. Don't be surprised if you can buy a hot new song from the Gear 2 on your wrist this spring.

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Via: The Next Web

Source: 7digital

Tags: 7digital, music, samsung, smartphone, smartwatch, tizen, wearable Next: Dell's Precision M2800 workstation is for prosumers who need performance on the cheap
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Volvo, Ferrari, And Mercedes First To Add iOS In The Car Next Week

iOS in the Car, announced by Eddy Cue last year at the iOS 7 launch, was supposed to appear in 2014 and, according to the Financial Times, it’s finally coming to Volvo, Mercedes, and Ferrari. BMW, a premium launch partner mentioned last year, was notably absent.

The service allows for direct interaction with the manufacturer’s in-car entertainment and communications systems and includes an iOS-like UI. While many manufacturers have resorted to USB connections to iOS devices that may or may not allow for easy media access, iOS in the Car aims to offer call control, Siri interaction, and media playback with a simple interface. It also allows for satellite navigation using the iPhone’s built-in GPS and mapping systems.

Honda and Acura have already implemented some of the features. According to AppleInsider, the company was slow to roll out the feature due to internal reticence in Apple’s corporate ranks.

via 9to5mac

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Indian Business Angel Network Makes First Investment, In UK’s SwiftShift

Next StoryDattch, The Dating App For Gay Women, Launches in San Francisco

India’s largest business angels group has made its first investment in a UK start-up, investing in a London-based company SwiftShift. The amount was not disclosed. The Indian Angel Network (IAN) is Asia’s largest angel network of over 250 investors spread across 10 countries. Effectively, this is an Indian angel network investing in a UK company run by an Israeli in London.

SwiftShift allows companies to quickly fill short notice shifts using their own staff through SMS, email, and mobile technology.

The Indian Angel Network decided to invest in SwiftShift following a pitching session in London organised by UKTI where 7 companies presented to the investors.

According to UK government figures Indian firms are now the 5th largest investors in the UK and more than 50% of Indian investment into Europe goes to the UK.

The IAN has already invested in start-ups in countries including the USA, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sri Lanka and India.

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What to expect from the first generation of Ubuntu smartphones (hands-on)

The Ubuntu Touch smartphone OS has come a long way, but it still has further to plod before it's ready for market - all Canonical will tell us that it hopes to see an Ubuntu phone before the end of this year. Nevertheless, now that some phone manufacturers are on board with the project, we've been able to play with a couple of prototypes: One was just a non-functioning handset from a Spanish company called BQ, showing off plain but solid build quality reflective of a mid-tier device. The other was more interesting -- a re-purposed Android handset from a second Ubuntu partner, Meizu, which makes light work of the operating system and interface. The UI itself hasn't changed a great deal since we last tried it, and neither has the underlying mission, which is to create an OS that extends seamlessly across phones, tablets and PCs, with virtually the same apps running on each type of screen. Check out the hands-on video below to get a better of what Canonical is aiming at, or -- if you don't mind getting your hands dirty -- try the new dual-boot developer preview for yourself on an Android handset.Ubuntu Touch screens

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