NHTSA looking into legality of smartphone maps while driving

Posted by Ariel Levin-Waldman Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Transportation,

Laws on the books to stop texting or talking on a cell phone while driving are nothing new, in fact I know a guy who just got slammed with five points on his license for doing it. But laws regarding cell phone use while driving leave a gray area, GPS and map aids, programs not within the spirit of the laws when they were made and an uncertainty for courts.

The government is looking to change that.

The Transportation Department has asked congress to give them the ability to regulate map aids and devices as part of their ongoing battle with 'distracted driving.' The measure is part of the GROW AMERICA proposed transportation bill, and would give the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration free reign to set restriction and limits on apps and down the line demand changed to any it deems dangerous.

What does this mean in a practical sense? Apps for maps might start to look like the built in GPS system in your car, where some models make you press a button acknowledging that you will not set the device while the car is moving. It might mean that telling the court you were just checking your map won't get you off.

The measure has support from automakers who have already built those safeguards into their GPS devices. Regulatory agencies maintain that they already have the authority to regulate these apps as vehicle equipment, and only want it written into law.

That means they don't have the authority or they would not be demanding it from congress.

Giveaway: Apple MacBook Air

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Hot Deals, PC / Laptop,

Today in the Gear Live Deals Shop you can enter to win an 11-ich MacBook Air. You can get better than free, so this is our Deal of the Day.

Apple recently released an updated MacBook Air, and that's the one you'd end up walking away with if you win. That means a dual-core Intel Core i5 1.4GHz Haswell processor, 4GB RAM, 9-hour battery life, and blazing fast SSD storage. Ready to enter? Here you go:

Enter our MacBook Air giveaway

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for other deals, be sure to check out our Newegg Promo Code thread. Oh, and if you're on Twitter, be sure to follow @TechPromos for the latest deals.

OS X 10.10 Yosemite Developer Preview 3 now available, here’s what’s new

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, PC / Laptop, Software,

Earlier today Apple released iOS 8 beta 3, and a few minutes later, we now have OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 3 as well. Developers who are already running Yosemite can get the 1.16 GB update through the Mac App Store, while those who are looking to install it for the first time will need to log in to the Apple Developer Portal. As for the rest of the world, OS X Yosemite is set to launch this fall, bringing features like an all-new user interface, Continuity, and more to Apple's desktop operating system.

Click to continue reading OS X 10.10 Yosemite Developer Preview 3 now available, here’s what’s new

Apple releases iOS 8 beta 3 build 12A4318c to developers, download here!

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Software,

Apple has just released iOS 8 beta 3, which can be found in the Developer Portal right now. iOS 8 beta 3 build 12A4318c works with supported iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models, and is available as an over-the-air update to users already running a previous iOS 8 beta on their devices. If you're already running iOS 8, you can update over-the-air by going into Settings > General > Software Update. Or you can go and grab the necessary download at http://developer.apple.com. Apple originally showed off iOS 8, and released its first beta, at WWDC 2014. The full release will come in the fall. Apple also released OS X Yosemite Developer Preview 2 today as well.

If you are a paid members of Apple's iOS developer program, here are the links for iOS 8 beta 3 downloads:

iPad:

• iPad Air (Model A1474)
• iPad Air (Model A1475)
• iPad Air (Model A1476)
• iPad mini (Model A1489)
• iPad mini (Model A1490)
• iPad mini (Model A1491)
• iPad (4th generation Model A1458)
• iPad (4th generation Model A1459)
• iPad (4th generation Model A1460)
• iPad mini (Model A1432)
• iPad mini (Model A1454)
• iPad mini (Model A1455)
• iPad Wi-Fi (3rd generation)
• iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular (model for ATT)
• iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular (model for Verizon)
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi (Rev A)
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (GSM)
• iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (CDMA)

iPhone:

• iPhone 5s (Model A1453, A1533)
• iPhone 5s (Model A1457, A1518, A1528, A1530)
• iPhone 5c (Model A1456, A1532)
• iPhone 5c (Model A1507, A1516, A1526, A1529)
• iPhone 5 (Model A1428)
• iPhone 5 (Model A1429)
• iPhone 4s

iPod touch:

• iPod touch (5th generation)

Click to continue reading Apple releases iOS 8 beta 3 build 12A4318c to developers, download here!

HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 review

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, PC / Laptop, Product Reviews,

HP decided that it was time to build a business notebook that sports the best features of the top consumer laptops, and the result is the HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1. Ridiculously long name aside, the thin and light body construction is the right first-impression, and is a stark change from the typical squared-off black boxes that you typically find in a business notebook.

That said, you should never judge a laptop by its cover, and we've been using the HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 for the past month to put it through the proper paces in anticipation of this review. Does this PC succeed at accomplishing all the things a business power user needs while maintaining the sexy appearance of a consumer laptop? Join us for our full HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 review to find out.

Click to continue reading HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 review

HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 photo gallery

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features, PC / Laptop,

We just hit you with our HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 review, but we also put together this sampling of images to give you a look at some of the fit and finish on the business notebook. Seriously, the EliteBook 1040 is a fine-looking piece of hardware. Head on over to the gallery below to check them out!

Gallery:

Deal of the Day: Mac Freebie Bundle 3.0

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Hot Deals, PC / Laptop, Software,

Today in the Gear Live Deals Shop we're offering a 100% discount on 7 awesome Mac apps. It's the Mac Freebie Bundle 3.0, and it's our Deal of the Day.

Standouts in the Mac Freebie Bundle 3.0 include: ClipBuddy, a clipboard manager. X-Mirage, which allows you to mirror your iOS devices to your Mac. Elmedia Player Pro, which lets you download streaming flash video. Vidiary, the video journal app.

Save 100% on 7 awesome Mac apps

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for other deals, be sure to check out our Newegg Promo Code thread. Oh, and if you're on Twitter, be sure to follow @TechPromos for the latest deals.

Watch the Google I/O 2014 Keynote here, live! [Video]

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Google, Software, Videos,

Google I/O 2014 kicks off today, with the big keynote starting at 9:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM EDT, and you can join in and watch the presentation in the player above. What are we expecting to hear about during the Google I/O 2014 keynote? Well, the biggest piece of news will likely be the reveal of the next version of Android, likely Android 5.0. We'll get a look at the future of Android smartphones and tablets, in addition to set-top boxes. Google will be showing off a new Android TV set-top box, which is interesting since Google TV hardware failed so miserably over the last few years. Wearables should also be big today, with Google Glass and Android Wear devices getting some stage time. Google also typically releases Google+ updates during the I/O keynote as well.

What are you hoping to hear about from Google this morning?

Deal of the Day: 40% off Super Fisheye Clip-On Smartphone Lens

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Cameras, Smartphones, Hot Deals,

Today in the Gear Live Deals Shop we're offering a 40% discount on the Super Fisheye Clip-On Lens. This accessory is made from high quality glass for a wider picture with ultra-low distortion so you get all the view without the sacrifice of quality, and it's our Deal of the Day.

The clip-on function allows you to add and remove the lens quickly and easily so you can capture the moment at the perfect time. With a lens cap and bag included, you can keep your lens safe and ready to take more dynamic and amazing photographs. The Super Fisheye Clip-On Lens works with iPhones, iPads, iPod touch, Samsung smartphones, and HTC smartphones.

Save 40% on the Super Fisheye Clip-On Lens

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for other deals, be sure to check out our Newegg Promo Code thread. Oh, and if you're on Twitter, be sure to follow @TechPromos for the latest deals.

Unboxing Live 144: HP Elitebook Folio 1040 G1

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Cell Phones, Features, Handhelds, Videocasts,

The HP Elitebook Folio 1040 G1 aims to change the face of the business laptop. As you'll see in this episode of Unboxing Live, the Elitebook Folio 1040 G1 looks much more like a premium consumer-grade notebook as opposed to the typically more boring business models. It's super-thin and light at 3.3 pounds, and even has an SSD for quick read and write data. Check out the video for the full rundown. You can pick up your own HP EliteBook 1040 G1 here.

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel, and don't forget--we are giving away awesome perks for our Patreon backers - thanks for your support!

Click to continue reading Unboxing Live 144: HP Elitebook Folio 1040 G1