Samsung Galaxy Nexus to launch on Verizon Wireless

Samsung Galaxy Nexus to launch on Verizon Wireless:

Galaxy Nexus from Samsung, the first smart phone to run on the new Google Android 4.0 mobile operating system (also called Ice Cream Sandwich), will be available on the Verizon Wireless network first.

The Galaxy Nexus will launch on the Verizon Wireless network "later this year," according to Verizon.

Consumers considering purchasing the Galaxy Nexus by Samsung should know that they will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless voice plan, starting at $40, and a data package starting at $30 for 2GB.

Features of the phone include:

• A 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display, the largest we've seen on any smart phone, with a resolution of 1280 by 720.
  
  
• Near Field Communications (NFC) enabled.
  
  
• A 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chatting, plus a 5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash, zero shutter lag, and 1080p full HD video.
  
  
• Download speeds of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps in 4G LTE mobile broadband coverage areas, according to Verizon Wireless.

The Galaxy Nexus also has 1GB of RAM, and will be available with either 16GB or 32GB of internal memory. Also built in are an accelerometer, a compass, a gyro, a proximity sensor, and a barometer.

Android 4.0 brings a newly designed user interface, a fast browser, and a new implementation of Gmail that lets you search through messages even when you're offline. A new app called People lets you browse high-res photos and updates from Google+.

Verizon Wireless Introduces The Galaxy Nexus By Samsung [Verizon Wireless]

Source: Google Reader

2011 Annual Car Reliability Survey: Best and worst vehicles by brand

2011 Annual Car Reliability Survey: Best and worst vehicles by brand:

If you are looking for a reliable car, don’t assume that certain brands are always shoe-ins. Each manufacturer has models that have a range of reliability in Consumer Reports’ annual car reliability survey.

When shopping for a car, it’s best to look at individual models and not make assumptions based on brand perceptions. In addition, just because a vehicle scored well in our reliability survey doesn’t mean it's recommended by CR or a good vehicle to buy.

Some models are reliable, but don’t do well in our testing. One example is the Jeep Patriot, which had the best reliability for Jeep, but scores too low in our testing to be recommended. Alternatively, the Audi Q5 scores very high in our tests, but its reliability is well below average, so we cannot recommend it.

There are also disparities within brands. Some manufacturers have very good reliability within all its models across the board, but we’ve seen that list drop from seven consistent brands last year to only two this year. Only Scion, Acura, and Mazda do not have any models that have below-average reliability. Others like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have some that score very high and others that are well below average.

Below is a list of the best and worst vehicles by brand based on predicted reliability. Models with an asterisk (“*”) are based on data for one model year only.

Make	Worst model	Best model
Scion	xB	xD
Lexus	IS Convertible*	CT 200h*
Acura	TSX	TL (FWD)
Mazda	CX-9	MX-5 Miata
Honda	Odyssey*	CR-Z*
Toyota	Sienna (AWD)*	Highlander (4-cyl.)
Infiniti	G Convertible	QX56*
Subaru	Tribeca*	Forester (non-turbo)
Nissan	Z	Titan*
Volvo	XC90*	C70*
Hyundai	Santa Fe (V6)	Elantra Wagon
Kia	Sedona	Optima*
Jeep	Wrangler (4-door)	Patriot
Lincoln	MKX (FWD)*	MKZ Hybrid*
Chrysler	Town & Country	200*
Volkswagen	Routan	Golf TDI
Chevrolet	Silverado 2500*	Volt*
Mercedes-Benz	GL-Class	C-Class (RWD)
BMW	550i*	X3*
Ford	Edge (AWD)*	Fusion Hybrid
Dodge	Ram 2500 (turbodiesel)	Caliber
GMC	Sierra 2500*	Sierra 1500 (V6, 2WD)
Mini	Cooper Clubman S	Cooper Hatchback
Buick	LaCrosse (AWD)*	Enclave (FWD)
Cadillac	Escalade*	CTS (V6, RWD)
Audi	Q5 (V6)	A4 (4-cyl.)
Porsche	Cayenne*	911*
Jaguar	XF	XJ*

*Based on one model year; redesigned or introduced for 2011

As these results show, it is unwise to judge a book by its cover. Avoid assumptions based on past history or anecdotal experience. Instead, do your research before you buy your next vehicle. It takes just a few minutes to browse the model overview pages, or use the interactive new car selector tool, which sorts and filters by the parameters that matter most to you.

Either path will reveal Consumer Reports recommended models that did well in our road tests, score average or better in reliability, and perform at least adequately if included in government or insurance industry safety tests.

For more details on our 2011 Annual Car Survey, including the full list of most and least reliable new cars by vehicle type, see our new car reliability report. Also, check out our guide to car reliability for more details on new and used car reliability as well as owner satisfaction.

Source: Google Reader

Recall: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain for bad tire pressure monitoring systems

Recall: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain for bad tire pressure monitoring systems:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of nearly 34,000 Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The cross-over vehicles from General Motors have tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) that fail to comply with federal safety standards.

TPMS computers are designed to alert drivers if the air pressure in any of the vehicle's tires fall 25 percent below the recommended cold inflation pressure. However, the TPMS in certain models of 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles won't illuminate the dashboard warning lights until internal tire pressures are more than 25 percent below recommended pressure levels.

According to NHTSA, under-inflated tires could overheat and blowout, possibly causing a collision with injuries. Improperly inflated tires could also lead to premature and uneven tread wear, poor vehicle handling and poor fuel economy. (See Early warning signs of tire failure and How to keep your vehicle's tires safe in Consumer Reports' Tire & car care section, for more information.)

General Motors will begin this month to notify customers affected by this NHTSA recall. Owners will be scheduled to bring their recalled vehicles in to a local dealership where mechanics will replace the faulty TPMS modules for free.

Owners of 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles with additional questions can contact Chevrolet (800-630-2438) or GMC (866-996-9463). Consumers can also visit the NHTSA Safer Car website (www.SaferCar.gov) for more information.

Recall: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox / GMC Terrain - TPMS - Campaign ID #: 11V511000 [NHTSA]
<a href="

Source: Google Reader

Big Lots recalls gliding recliners and ottomans for entrapment dangers

Big Lots recalls gliding recliners and ottomans for entrapment dangers:

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission and Big Lots of Columbus Ohio have announced a recall of 375,000 recliners and ottomans. The furniture, which glides horizontally, has exposed mechanisms which can inadvertently crush fingers and even entrap small children.

According to the CPSC, there have been two reports of small children (under two years old) who have had their necks trapped by the chair's gliding mechanism. Both children were freed by parents without permanent injury.

The CPSC recall affects the Microfiber Glider Recliner and Leather Glider Recliner, sold at Big Lots stores from January 2005 to December 2009 for about $170. Both the chair and ottoman sit on circular metal bases made from 1.25 inch metal tubing and have cushions covered in either light brown or green microfiber fabric or dark brown simulated leather fabric. A label under the seat of the chair identifies the manufacturer as Dongguan Shindin Metal & Plastic Products Ltd. There is a small label on the front metal rod under the seat that states "Maximum wt load 250 lbs."

Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the furniture and contact Big Lots for a free repair kit which will cover the exposed moving parts.

For more information, consumers can contact Big Lots toll-free (866-244-5687) or visit the company's website: www.BigLots.com.

To report dangerous incidents with consumer products, visit the CPSC's Safer Products website: www.SaferProducts.gov.

Big Lots Recalls Glider Recliners with Ottomans Due to Entrapment and Finger Crushing Hazards [CPSC]
Product recall information [Big Lots]

Source: Google Reader

Here it is, the biggest refrigerator we've ever tested

Here it is, the biggest refrigerator we've ever tested:

There are about 180 models in Consumer Reports' current refrigerator Ratings. Since we started testing this appliance back in 1939, too many to count have come and gone. But it's safe to say that no model has been as mammoth as the new Kenmore Elite 7205 French-door bottom-freezer, with its claimed 31-cubic-foot capacity. Setting aside for a moment the question of whether so much space is necessary, let's take a closer look to see how Kenmore managed the feat.

The first space-saving innovation is in the walls of the Kenmore Elite 7205, where vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs) replace the conventional insulation found on most refrigerators. VIPs are thin and flat, which results in narrow walls and a roomier interior. That coupled with a slightly larger footprint (its 35-inch depth is a few inches above the norm) accounts for much of the expanded capacity.

Inside the refrigerator, the first thing you might notice is what's missing—no bulky icemaker taking up interior shelf or door space. Instead, the "Slim In-door Icemaker" fits neatly in the door panel holding the exterior ice and water dispensers. Then there's a bevy of expansive storage options, including door bins that are deep enough to hold a gallon container and then some, say a bottle of ketchup; a full-width pantry drawer for deli meats and cheese; dual crisper drawers; and a tilt-out freezer door that allows you to access the double pull-out drawers and deep bin without sliding out the entire freezer compartment. There's also multi-level LED lighting, which doesn't affect the actual dimensions, but does make the interior feel bigger and brighter.

Beyond its ample capacity, the Kenmore Elite 7205 performs very well. It scored an excellent in our temperature tests, which measure accuracy and consistency. Noise was also excellent, while energy efficiency and ease-of-use were very good. And the fridge's dual evaporators maintain high humidity levels in the fresh-food section and keep freezer odors from migrating, which together could help extend the life of your food.

So is it worth spending upwards of $2,800 on the Kenmore Elite 7205? From a performance standpoint, several French-door models in our Ratings do better for less, including the top-rated Whirlpool for $1,700. That makes the decision mostly about size and features. Industry guidelines have, in the past, recommended refrigerators with a total capacity of between 19 and 22 cubic feet for a typical household of four. By that estimate, the Kenmore Elite 7205 would make sense only for very large families, say those with six or more members. However, if you entertain frequently, you might also value this record-setting refrigerator.

Source: Google Reader

Report: Amazon making 'millions more' Kindle Fire tablets

Report: Amazon making 'millions more' Kindle Fire tablets:

The new tablet from Amazon won't ship till November 15, but the company's CEO Jeff Bezos said in a statement that the volume of pre-orders that Amazon has received has caused a huge ramp-up in production of the Fire—to "millions more" than originally planned.

The 7-inch Kindle Fire tablet was announced on September 28, which, as Amazon reported in its third-quarter earnings statement, was the "biggest order day ever for Kindle." At $199, the Fire's price is appreciably lower than that of any current version of the Apple iPad and is also lower than most other Android tablets on the market. The Fire will feature Amazon content and services, including books, video, and music, with a curated selection of apps from Amazon's app store for Android devices.



Amazon Is Making 'Millions More' Kindle Fires Than Originally Expected After Huge Demand [Business Insider]

Source: Google Reader

2011 Annual Car Reliability Survey: Most reliable American cars

2011 Annual Car Reliability Survey: Most reliable American cars:

Consumer Reports recently unveiled the results of its latest reliability survey, showing that Asian brands continue to occupy the top-tier, claiming nine of the top 10 spots in our rankings. However, the findings among the domestic brands are noteworthy, and there’s plenty of good news within each segment.

We’re often asked how the domestics’ reliability stacks up, especially with some people wanting to specifically buy American. (Of course, defining what is an “American” car can be a challenge.) The results show that there are some very reliable U.S.-branded models, but they also remind of potential risks with buying first-year models.

Below is a list of vehicles with the highest predicted reliability within their respective segments. (We have only listed models whose predicted reliability is average or better.)

Small SUVs

Ford Escape Hybrid



Midsized SUVs

Chevrolet Equinox (V6)

GMC Terrain (V6)



Luxury SUVs

Buick Enclave (FWD)

Large SUVs

Dodge Durango

Full-sized pickups

Ford F-150 (V8, 2WD)

Family cars

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Upscale cars

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Sporty cars

Dodge Challenger

Fuel-efficient hatchbacks

Chevrolet Volt*



Small hatchbacks

Dodge Caliber

Some of these models, such as the Dodge Caliber, have above average reliability but did not do well in Consumer Reports’ tests. Hence, the Caliber is not recommended. CR only recommends models that have performed well in tests conducted at its 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut, have average or better predicted reliability based on the annual survey, and perform at least adequately in government or insurance-industry crash and rollover tests, if tested.

* The Volt’s data is based on a sample size that just a little more than Consumer Reports’ minimum threshold of 100 cars, and most respondents had owned theirs for only a few months. Consider it an early, promising indicator.

Some categories, such as small and subcompact cars, are not represented here by the domestic brands due to lackluster performance. For example, the U.S. model that had the highest reliability ranking is the Ford Fiesta, but it came in below average.

Our reliability data are based on responses on 1.3 million vehicles owned or leased by subscribers to Consumer Reports or ConsumerReports.org. The survey was conducted in the spring of 2011 by Consumer Reports’ National Survey Research Center and covered model years 2002 to 2011.

Related:

Guide to car reliability and owner satisfaction

2011 Annual Car Reliability Survey: Best and worst vehicles by brand

Consumer Reports' 2011 Annual Car Reliability Survey: Ford drops, Chrysler rises, Scion leads

Source: Google Reader

Motorola Droid RAZR pre-orders begin tomorrow

Motorola Droid RAZR pre-orders begin tomorrow:

The Droid RAZR, announced last week by Motorola for Verizon Wireless, will be available for pre-order tomorrow, Thursday October 27, at 8 a.m. (Eastern). Verizon says the phone will ship "no later than November 10."

Billed as the world's thinnest smart phone at 7.1mm thick, the RAZR is priced at $299.99 with a two-year contract and data plan from Verizon. It will run on Verizon's 4G LTE network.

The Droid RAZR is powered by a dual-core 1.2-GHz CPU and features 1GB of RAM. It can record HD video at 1080p, and it's the first phone that can download HD video from Netflix. Verizon is offering NFL Mobile free for 4G LTE customers for the rest of the 2011 season. The phone also features a huge 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display, protective Kevlar fiber on the outside, and Gorilla glass on its front.

Motorola DROID RAZR available for pre-order from Verizon tomorrow for $299.99 [BGR]

Source: Google Reader

Bad Boy buggies being recalled for bad steering

Bad Boy buggies being recalled for bad steering:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for about 3,200 off-road vehicles made by BB Buggies of Atlanta, Ga., and Bad Boy Enterprises in Natchez, Mass. The issue: The steering assembly can break, causing a loss of control and crash hazard.

According to the CPSC, there have been 15 reports of the Bad Boy off-road vehicles suffering from steering arm breakage, but no injuries have been reported.

The CPSC reports that there have been two previous recalls of Bad Boy buggies for sudden acceleration problems. And last month, Bad Boy Enterprises paid a $715,000 fine to the CPSC for failing to notify the agency of those buggy defects in a timely manner.

The current recall affects four models of four-wheeled off-road buggies: The Bad Boy LT, Classic, XT, XTI and XT Safari models. All four models are electrically-powered; have bench seats for the driver and passengers; and have "Bad Boy" printed on the side or front. Bad Boy Buggy dealers nationwide sold the buggies in camouflage patterns, hunter greenm red and black from August 2009 through June 2011 for approximately $7,000 to $15,000.

Bad Boy buggy owners are warned to stop using the defective off-road utility vehicles and contact an authorized dealer or BB Buggies directly for a free steering assembly replacement.

For more information, consumers can contact BB Buggies toll-free (855-738-3711) or go online to the company's website:www.BadBoyBuggies.com.

Bad Boy Buggies Recalled by BB Buggies Due to Loss of Steering Control and Crash Hazard [CPSC]

Source: Google Reader

Update: Chevrolet Volt sees fuel economy increase

Update: Chevrolet Volt sees fuel economy increase:

We have made an upward revision to the fuel-economy numbers for the Volt that we originally published in the October issue of Consumer Reports. When running on gasoline (aka charge-sustaining mode) rather than pure electric power, the highway-driving portion of the test moved from 36 to 41 mpg. The city figure got bumped from 21 to 23 mpg.

Our revision was prompted by General Motors, the Volt’s manufacturer, which alerted us to a previously unnoticed phenomenon peculiar to the car. Since in gas mode the engine devotes some of its power to partially recharging the drive battery to maintain it at about 20 to 25 percent state-of-charge, our original fuel count may have included more than the amount just needed to propel it. Our revision excludes those battery-maintenance portions to give a better idea of how much fuel the Volt uses once the electric portion is depleted.

This change boosts our overall-average fuel economy for the Volt from 29 to 32 mpg and raises the Volt’s road-test score from 67 to 68. The revision does not affect the Volt’s consumption while acting as an EV, which at 2.93 miles/kWh works out to be the equivalent of 99 mpg.

Read our Chevrolet Volt road test.

Source: Google Reader