Sigma’s flagship SLR, the SD1, has finally gotten a price and launch date. The 45-megapixel camera will go on sale in June 2011, and will cost a rather dizzying $9,700.
So what do you get for that money? It’s mostly about the sensor, which is either 15MP or 45MP depending on how you count the pixels. [...]
Monday, May 23, 2011
Switched On: Adding to Android's army
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.
Android, as Andy Rubin (no relation) has pointed out on multiple occasions, plays a game of numbers. And at Google I/O, the company carrying on its development shared some large ones: 100 million activated devices with 400,000 being added each day. However, like in many games, different players can catch up or overtake each other at different points. Just ask Nokia and RIM. To stay on top, operating system vendors implement strategies that lock consumers in. The more money consumers sink into iPhone apps, for example, the more incentive they have to stay with that platform; the same is true for accessories that use Apple's 30-pin dock connector that has been around since the third-generation iPod.
With Android having become the lead operating system for every smartphone company that licenses its OS with the notable exception of Nokia (which nearly did), Google showed that it's intent not just on moving Android into other devices with sufficient computing horsepower such as tablets and, increasingly, TVs, but now has its sights set on having just about everything that can't run Android directly feed into it. Google is taking two approaches - one for things that plug into Android devices, and one for things that don't.Continue reading Switched On: Adding to Android's armySwitched On: Adding to Android's army originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 May 2011 15:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Android, as Andy Rubin (no relation) has pointed out on multiple occasions, plays a game of numbers. And at Google I/O, the company carrying on its development shared some large ones: 100 million activated devices with 400,000 being added each day. However, like in many games, different players can catch up or overtake each other at different points. Just ask Nokia and RIM. To stay on top, operating system vendors implement strategies that lock consumers in. The more money consumers sink into iPhone apps, for example, the more incentive they have to stay with that platform; the same is true for accessories that use Apple's 30-pin dock connector that has been around since the third-generation iPod.
With Android having become the lead operating system for every smartphone company that licenses its OS with the notable exception of Nokia (which nearly did), Google showed that it's intent not just on moving Android into other devices with sufficient computing horsepower such as tablets and, increasingly, TVs, but now has its sights set on having just about everything that can't run Android directly feed into it. Google is taking two approaches - one for things that plug into Android devices, and one for things that don't.Continue reading Switched On: Adding to Android's armySwitched On: Adding to Android's army originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 May 2011 15:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Windows 8 App Store images leaked?
Windows 8 images continue to leak onto the Internet, despite Microsoft's wallpaper-based pleas to those with access to the early releases. Today's installment courtesy CNBeta shows the upcoming Windows App Store, which will likely feature prominently in Windows 8.
We've got our doubts about the authenticity of the image. In addition to showing several of the built-in games which already ship with Windows, Opera is listed -- and a competing browser seems like an odd inclusion this early on. Of course, with the browser ballot still in place in the EU for quite some time, Microsoft would probably need to include rivals like Opera and Firefox to stay out of trouble. We're also not sure why Clickgamer is shown beneath Angry Birds instead of Rovio -- the game's actual publisher.
It's still early, of course, so it's entirely possible that the Windows App Store image is genuine but merely using placeholder images and text for now. Anyone else thinking Windows Marketplace might be a more logical name? You know, to keep things consistent with Windows Phone and keep Apple's legal eagles at bay.Windows 8 App Store images leaked? originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
We've got our doubts about the authenticity of the image. In addition to showing several of the built-in games which already ship with Windows, Opera is listed -- and a competing browser seems like an odd inclusion this early on. Of course, with the browser ballot still in place in the EU for quite some time, Microsoft would probably need to include rivals like Opera and Firefox to stay out of trouble. We're also not sure why Clickgamer is shown beneath Angry Birds instead of Rovio -- the game's actual publisher.
It's still early, of course, so it's entirely possible that the Windows App Store image is genuine but merely using placeholder images and text for now. Anyone else thinking Windows Marketplace might be a more logical name? You know, to keep things consistent with Windows Phone and keep Apple's legal eagles at bay.Windows 8 App Store images leaked? originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
British royal family announces iOS and Android wedding app
To celebrate the imminent marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Royal Collection will release an Android an iOS app that chronicles the last seven royal marriages, including Queen Victoria's marriage to Prince Albert in 1840.
Ironically, the app won't actually feature anything to do with William and Kate's marriage -- rather, it will focus on the "tradition, splendor and romance" that are intrinsic to British royal marriages. "[The app] will share the stories of past royal weddings and offer a wealth of historical context for the ceremony on April 29."
Unfortunately, the app, which has been lumbered with the fantastically creative name of 'Royal App,' won't be available until April 18 -- just 11 days before Kate's big day. It won't be free, either: it'll cost the rather princely sum of £1.79, or three of your Tea Party-loving dollars. The money will go to the Royal Collection, though, which is a good cause!British royal family announces iOS and Android wedding app originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Ironically, the app won't actually feature anything to do with William and Kate's marriage -- rather, it will focus on the "tradition, splendor and romance" that are intrinsic to British royal marriages. "[The app] will share the stories of past royal weddings and offer a wealth of historical context for the ceremony on April 29."
Unfortunately, the app, which has been lumbered with the fantastically creative name of 'Royal App,' won't be available until April 18 -- just 11 days before Kate's big day. It won't be free, either: it'll cost the rather princely sum of £1.79, or three of your Tea Party-loving dollars. The money will go to the Royal Collection, though, which is a good cause!British royal family announces iOS and Android wedding app originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Awaken on the Dark Side
This Star Wars figure is a lamp, MP3 player, and an alarm clock all packed into one cute – er, menacing – Darth Vader. �The lamp stands 11.5″ tall and is 6″ in diameter. �The lamp has a standard 120V power plug, and it uses 3AA batteries (not included) for clock backup. �You’ll need to [...]
Electronics For Imaging Electronic Data Systems Electronic Arts
Eight Plankers Lose Their Jobs For Foolish Facebook Fad [Wtf]
Planking has already cost one Australian man his life, but now eight employees of the Australian chain Woolworths are out of work for balancing on shopping trolleys, mincing machines, and whatever else they discovered they could balance on at work. More »
CrunchGear Week In Review: Composition Edition
Here are some stories from the past week on CrunchGear: Now You Can Fabricate Your Own Strandbeest ThinkGeek?s USB Mushroom Lamp Provides Light, Not Super Abilities The White iPhone Is Official, Available April 28 ?Slow Photography? Is Like Hipstamatic In Real Life Nintendo 3DS Takes Over The Jet Blue Terminal
The ChromiumPC from Xi3 Is the First Desktop Ready to Run ChromeOS [Hardware]
The ChromiumPC modular computer, first unveiled by Xi3 last year, is ready to ship this summer, with an architecture designed specifically for Chrome. More »
Gillmor Gang 5.21.11 (TCTV)
The Gillmor Gang ? Robert Scoble, Kevin Marks, Dick Hardt, and Steve Gillmor ? got all LinkedIn in the wake of the startup's successful IPO. Amid the fear mongering about another tech bubble, it seemed more likely that LinkedIn was the first of at least a trio of big social plays going public. Facebook and Twitter seem no brainers, each with their own dynamics in terms of revenue plus virality. And then there's Groupon and maybe Zynga.
But the real question was not whether hype trumps value, but what's next as the intersection of technology and media accelerates. This year's broadcast upfronts seemed primed for disruption, with most networks junking their entire drama debuts from a year ago in favor of big budget sci-fi and Sheenless comedies. Meanwhile Netflix continues to mushroom as it becomes the next HBO, or some supernode unlike anything since the agencies took over from the film studios in the '50s. King Harvest will surely come.
But the real question was not whether hype trumps value, but what's next as the intersection of technology and media accelerates. This year's broadcast upfronts seemed primed for disruption, with most networks junking their entire drama debuts from a year ago in favor of big budget sci-fi and Sheenless comedies. Meanwhile Netflix continues to mushroom as it becomes the next HBO, or some supernode unlike anything since the agencies took over from the film studios in the '50s. King Harvest will surely come.
Shutterfly Custom Path Photo Books Give You Complete Design Control
We’ve reviewed several photo books at The Gadgeteer, and they’ve all allowed some customization of your book design. �You can choose themes (wedding, baby, holiday, etc) that determine a set of background images, and you can choose templates that fit a pre-determined number and size of photos and text boxes on a page. �Shutterfly also [...]
Saturday, May 21, 2011
LinkedIn Climbs Past $100 Per Share On Second Day Of Trading
LinkedIn's stock continues to perform well at the start of its second day of trading. After closing on the New York Stock Exchange at $94 per share yesterday afternoon (giving LinkedIn a $9 billion market cap), the professional social network's first trade began at $98 per share this morning and has reached as high as high as $103.28. The company is now close to a $10 billion market share.
For background, LinkedIn priced its shares at $45 on Wednesday evening but began trading at $83 per share yesterday morning, up 84 percent and giving the company a $7.8 billion market cap. In total, LinkedIn raised $352.8 million in gross proceeds from the offering of 7,840,000 shares, with 94.5 million shares of stock outstanding.
For background, LinkedIn priced its shares at $45 on Wednesday evening but began trading at $83 per share yesterday morning, up 84 percent and giving the company a $7.8 billion market cap. In total, LinkedIn raised $352.8 million in gross proceeds from the offering of 7,840,000 shares, with 94.5 million shares of stock outstanding.
The Hack Is On At The Hackathon
The tables here at Pier 94 are full of enterprising hackers, swapping code and networking furiously. The Red Bull is flowing freely and snacks crunch underfoot — pigeons flit to and fro looking for crumbs and perhaps some seed funds. And it's only just beginning.
The hacking will continue all night, punctuated by API demonstrations by the likes of Twitter, Qualcomm, and Google, and at 9:30 tomorrow morning the projects will be submitted. There are way more teams and individuals than our last Hackathon, which was already far larger than the one before. Fortunately, our new venue is very spacious — cavernous, even. They'll need the space after the pizza arrives and things start getting over-savory.
The hacking will continue all night, punctuated by API demonstrations by the likes of Twitter, Qualcomm, and Google, and at 9:30 tomorrow morning the projects will be submitted. There are way more teams and individuals than our last Hackathon, which was already far larger than the one before. Fortunately, our new venue is very spacious — cavernous, even. They'll need the space after the pizza arrives and things start getting over-savory.
Explosion at Foxconn's Chengdu plant kills two
An explosion occurred at Foxconn's Chengdu plant earlier today, with reports claiming several workers have been injured. The Taiwanese company has yet to release a statement regarding figures and the cause of this tragedy, but according to 21st Century Business Herald, witnesses saw lightning hit the A05 building before the explosion took place -- it is believed that this is a case of dust explosion, and security guards were allegedly warning evacuees that the smoke was toxic. At the time, hundreds of workers were present in the affected workshop which houses an iPad 2 assembly line. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
Update: Sina Tech is reporting two deaths and sixteen injured people, with three in critical condition. We've also added a video from the scene after the break, courtesy of Sohu.
Update 2: Apple has provided a statement to All Things D, saying:
We are deeply saddened by the tragedy at Foxconn's plant in Chengdu, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families... We are working closely with Foxconn to understand what caused this terrible event.
Continue reading Explosion at Foxconn's Chengdu plant kills twoExplosion at Foxconn's Chengdu plant kills two originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 11:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink M.I.C. Gadget | 21st Century Business Hearld | Email this | Comments
Update: Sina Tech is reporting two deaths and sixteen injured people, with three in critical condition. We've also added a video from the scene after the break, courtesy of Sohu.
Update 2: Apple has provided a statement to All Things D, saying:
We are deeply saddened by the tragedy at Foxconn's plant in Chengdu, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families... We are working closely with Foxconn to understand what caused this terrible event.
Continue reading Explosion at Foxconn's Chengdu plant kills twoExplosion at Foxconn's Chengdu plant kills two originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 11:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink M.I.C. Gadget | 21st Century Business Hearld | Email this | Comments
TweetDeck to launch as HTML5 Web app, now accepting beta testers
When TweetDeck landed in the Chrome Web Store, it seemed like an indication that it might eventually evolve into a pure HTML5 Web app. Now it looks as though that's exactly what's going to happen, with TweetDeck announcing that a new, not-just-for-Chrome Web client is ready for beta testing.
It's a natural progression for TweetDeck, especially since its originally Adobe Air app is practically all Web code. TweetDeck Web will sport a feature set which is nearly identical to the Chrome app, with the notable exception of Twitter streaming.
Initially, TweetDeck is targeting Firefox 4 and 3.6, Google Chrome, and Safari. Opera and Internet Explorer 9 won't be invited to the dance until a bit later on.
If you'd like to get in on the TweetDeck Web beta, head on over and register -- or sign up using your existing TweetDeck account.TweetDeck to launch as HTML5 Web app, now accepting beta testers originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
It's a natural progression for TweetDeck, especially since its originally Adobe Air app is practically all Web code. TweetDeck Web will sport a feature set which is nearly identical to the Chrome app, with the notable exception of Twitter streaming.
Initially, TweetDeck is targeting Firefox 4 and 3.6, Google Chrome, and Safari. Opera and Internet Explorer 9 won't be invited to the dance until a bit later on.
If you'd like to get in on the TweetDeck Web beta, head on over and register -- or sign up using your existing TweetDeck account.TweetDeck to launch as HTML5 Web app, now accepting beta testers originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Daily Crunch: Online Affection Edition
Video: Online Kiss Transmission Device IODATA 3TB Drive Looks Like It?s Mad At You Carry Your iPad 2 In The Pockets Of These Tactical Pants NOUS System Allows Disabled Users To Perform Simple Tasks? With Their Brains! Nintendo DS AR Card Tattoo (Possibly Sharpie) Indicates Extreme Fanboy Levels
Friday, May 20, 2011
Tarzan Ball is a tricky hook-and-pull physics game
So, you're a ball. A Tarzan Ball, to be precise. You've earned the nickname thanks to your astonishing ability to shoot out a lengthy 'vine' (I hope it's a vine) at objects, and then pull yourself towards those objects.
That's a handy ability to have, especially since you've got no legs, no arms, and no other means of transportation. In Tarzan Ball, the rope is everything. But you don't just swing around the screen aimlessly - that wouldn't be much of a game now, would it?
Instead, your goal in life is to collect "targets". Each level has one of these "targets" hidden away somewhere on the screen, usually behind some kind of barrier. Once you navigate close enough to the target, you can shoot your rope at it and just reel it in. That's when you pass the level.
You can't die in this game, but it can still be very frustrating. It's actually one of the tougher games I've posted recently. Still, if you enjoy physics games, this one is quite nicely made.
[This is actually the sequel to IQ Ball, which we covered last year! -Ed]Tarzan Ball is a tricky hook-and-pull physics game originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
That's a handy ability to have, especially since you've got no legs, no arms, and no other means of transportation. In Tarzan Ball, the rope is everything. But you don't just swing around the screen aimlessly - that wouldn't be much of a game now, would it?
Instead, your goal in life is to collect "targets". Each level has one of these "targets" hidden away somewhere on the screen, usually behind some kind of barrier. Once you navigate close enough to the target, you can shoot your rope at it and just reel it in. That's when you pass the level.
You can't die in this game, but it can still be very frustrating. It's actually one of the tougher games I've posted recently. Still, if you enjoy physics games, this one is quite nicely made.
[This is actually the sequel to IQ Ball, which we covered last year! -Ed]Tarzan Ball is a tricky hook-and-pull physics game originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Google Deodorizes Sniffable Android Security Flaw
Google has begun rolling out a patch to fix a security flaw in versions 2.3.3 and earlier of its Android mobile operating system. That flaw affects all Google services using the ClientLogin authentication protocol. It lets hackers access any personal data available through Android's application programming interfaces.
Let's Punk the Rapture [Religion]
A lot of people think the Rapture is coming May 21. It's not. But assuming your pets are okay, here's a prank we'd like you to pull. We call it Rapture Bombing. More »
Chaos Rings Omega Circles Familiar Territory [Gaming App Of The Day]
Last year's Chaos Rings told the story of five couples mysteriously transported to a place called the Arc Arena, where are forced to fight their way through a variety of dungeons until only one couple remained to claim the grand… [Kotaku]
More »
More »
Communications Holdings Compal Electronics Cosmote Mobile Telecom
This Carbon Nanotube Patch Could Heal Your Broken Heart [Science]
When areas of a heart are deprived of oxygen—say, in a heart attack—muscle and nerve cells are damaged. The tissue can't regenerate on its own. But this carbon nanotube patch could help. More »
Bluetooth Box Makes Any Stereo AirPlay-Ready
XtremeMac’s InCharge Home BT is a little box that will turn any stereo into a Bluetooth receiver. Thus you can stream music via AirPlay from your iPhone (or any other Bluetooth music source) to the box, whereupon the radio waves will be converted back into a signal that is then pumped through a jack into [...]
Thursday, May 19, 2011
OmmWriter brings its clean, calm writing interface to Windows
I have a thing for full-screen text editing. I use WriteMonkey for my creative writing needs, and VIM in a full-screen PuTTY session for my Web development work. That being the case, I'm all over the monospace, dark-background, focused editing scene.
OmmWriter attempts to take that aesthetic and make it somehow more spiritual, with three picturesque backgrounds and ambient background audio tracks (there are seven of each in the paid version).
I'm of two minds about this app. On the one hand, yes, it's beautiful. But if you want music as a background to your writing, why not pick your own soundtrack with Winamp or Foobar2000 running in the background?
OmmWriter also offers three keyboard-clicking sounds, which are kind of nice. None of these features are groundbreaking, really. OmmWriter could be seen as a way to gently ease into the world of distraction-free writing -- in case something like WriteMonkey's dark background is just too oppressive for you.
After the fold you can see a video showcasing several of OmmWriter's features and creative soundscapes.Continue reading OmmWriter brings its clean, calm writing interface to WindowsOmmWriter brings its clean, calm writing interface to Windows originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
OmmWriter attempts to take that aesthetic and make it somehow more spiritual, with three picturesque backgrounds and ambient background audio tracks (there are seven of each in the paid version).
I'm of two minds about this app. On the one hand, yes, it's beautiful. But if you want music as a background to your writing, why not pick your own soundtrack with Winamp or Foobar2000 running in the background?
OmmWriter also offers three keyboard-clicking sounds, which are kind of nice. None of these features are groundbreaking, really. OmmWriter could be seen as a way to gently ease into the world of distraction-free writing -- in case something like WriteMonkey's dark background is just too oppressive for you.
After the fold you can see a video showcasing several of OmmWriter's features and creative soundscapes.Continue reading OmmWriter brings its clean, calm writing interface to WindowsOmmWriter brings its clean, calm writing interface to Windows originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Apple patent application suggests partial storage of music to speed up streaming
Could Apple's forthcoming cloud-based music service have a leg up in speed compared to its competitors? It might if a recently published patent application from the company actually pans out. It suggests that just a snippet of the beginning of a song (or movie, for that matter) could be stored locally on a device, and then be synced to the complete version in the cloud, which would let you begin playback "immediately" rather than having to wait for the usual buffering to take place. The patent application also explains that the streaming playback could be adjusted based on the type of communications network, and that there would naturally be various means to authenticate your device and ensure that you actually own the music you're streaming. Of course, there's no guarantee that such a system will indeed be a part of Apple's seemingly imminent streaming service, but the patent application was filed way back in November of 2009, which certainly means it's had plenty of time to implement it if it chose to.Apple patent application suggests partial storage of music to speed up streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 18:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Apple Insider | USPTO | Email this | Comments
Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates United Online Unisys
Microsoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent
Microsoft, citing Google's tyrannical 95% share of the European search market, has lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission. It's not like Microsoft is breaking any ground here -- the European Commission has been investigating Google's alleged violation of European competition law since November 2010 -- but there's no doubt that the addition of Microsoft's gravitas will affect the proceedings.
Microsoft's complaint reads like a sincere and plaintive cry for help against the Google Overlord. Microsoft lists no less than six damning reasons why Google's behavior is anti-competitive -- from Windows Phone 7's incompatibility with YouTube, to its nefarious handling of Google Books -- and finishes with a wide-eyed plea to the European Commission to please find Google guilty.
For those of you that have been following Microsoft's own antitrust troubles over the last decade, don't worry: MS is quick to point out the irony in the situation. "There of course will be some who will point out the irony in today's filing. Having spent more than a decade wearing the shoe on the other foot with the European Commission, the filing of a formal antitrust complaint is not something we take lightly. This is the first time Microsoft Corporation has ever taken this step. More so than most, we recognize the importance of ensuring that competition laws remain balanced and that technology innovation moves forward."
It sounds like Microsoft, having well and truly gone through the wringer, wants Google to be held similarly accountable. That's fair enough, right?Microsoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Microsoft's complaint reads like a sincere and plaintive cry for help against the Google Overlord. Microsoft lists no less than six damning reasons why Google's behavior is anti-competitive -- from Windows Phone 7's incompatibility with YouTube, to its nefarious handling of Google Books -- and finishes with a wide-eyed plea to the European Commission to please find Google guilty.
For those of you that have been following Microsoft's own antitrust troubles over the last decade, don't worry: MS is quick to point out the irony in the situation. "There of course will be some who will point out the irony in today's filing. Having spent more than a decade wearing the shoe on the other foot with the European Commission, the filing of a formal antitrust complaint is not something we take lightly. This is the first time Microsoft Corporation has ever taken this step. More so than most, we recognize the importance of ensuring that competition laws remain balanced and that technology innovation moves forward."
It sounds like Microsoft, having well and truly gone through the wringer, wants Google to be held similarly accountable. That's fair enough, right?Microsoft files antitrust complaint against Google in Europe, showdown imminent originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Tonight, on the Android Central Podcast ...
We're back, and we're giving away a Sonos system!How do we make up for a couple weeks away from our regular Thursday night live show? Let's give away a bad-ass Sonos system! That's right, we've got a pair of Sonos S5s, plus a ZoneBridge, and one lucky Android Central reader is going to win them. That's some $900 worth of Sonos gear, and all you have to do is leave a post in this forums thread. One post per person, contest ends at 5 p.m. EST.Oh, and we'll also recap Google IO, talk some tablets and whatever other Android news floats our boat.So join Phil and the gang -- and, of course, the chat room -- live tonight at 9 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST for the live broadcast. You should be there. You will be there. You must be there. After all, you are what makes it the Greatest Android Podcast in the World. Not at a computer? Pick up the free UStream Viewer from the Android Market [link] and search for Android Central a little before the show (it won't appear until we go live). We'll see you there! AndroidCentral.com/live
Intersections International Rectifier International Game Technology
Banshee music player now works in Windows, supports Amazon MP3 downloads
A few moments ago, version 2 of the Banshee music player for Linux was released, bringing with it a whole slew of new features, and the addition of an official -- but alpha-quality -- Windows build. The Mac OS X build of version 2 is due later today.
The most notable new feature is support for the Amazon MP3 store -- you can buy and download music from within Banshee -- but unfortunately it's only available in the Linux build at the moment (OS X and Windows support are planned, however). There have also been some significant improvements to artist, album, and queue interactions -- and yes, you can finally right click a track, album or artist and select 'play after' to insert it into the queue.
Beyond actual playback, the user interface has been tidied up -- it now looks a whole lot smarter -- and the Ubuntu One Music Store and SoundMenu extensions have been made official. For a complete list of changes, additions and bug fixes, check the change log.
When Windows support initially appeared in February, we found it rough around the edges and fraught with stability issues. With version 2, Banshee for Windows is still a bit unstable, but it's shaping up to be a good alternative to Winamp, iTunes, or whatever other music library manager you use. It's almost as attractive as its GNOMEish brother, too!
Download Banshee 2 for Linux and Windows (Mac OS X coming soon)Banshee music player now works in Windows, supports Amazon MP3 downloads originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The most notable new feature is support for the Amazon MP3 store -- you can buy and download music from within Banshee -- but unfortunately it's only available in the Linux build at the moment (OS X and Windows support are planned, however). There have also been some significant improvements to artist, album, and queue interactions -- and yes, you can finally right click a track, album or artist and select 'play after' to insert it into the queue.
Beyond actual playback, the user interface has been tidied up -- it now looks a whole lot smarter -- and the Ubuntu One Music Store and SoundMenu extensions have been made official. For a complete list of changes, additions and bug fixes, check the change log.
When Windows support initially appeared in February, we found it rough around the edges and fraught with stability issues. With version 2, Banshee for Windows is still a bit unstable, but it's shaping up to be a good alternative to Winamp, iTunes, or whatever other music library manager you use. It's almost as attractive as its GNOMEish brother, too!
Download Banshee 2 for Linux and Windows (Mac OS X coming soon)Banshee music player now works in Windows, supports Amazon MP3 downloads originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Carrier: Legacy ? Can Apple, Google, Or Microsoft Really Change Anything?
The backstory of last year's film Tron: Legacy picks up where the first film left off. Kevin Flynn teams up with Tron to create a new Grid, one meant for programs and users. But Flynn realizes that he can't be in the system working on this constructed world all the time, so he creates another program, CLU, to help with the effort. Together, the three of them work on creating this new�perfect�system.
Then something happens.
I'm reminded of this story when reading Kevin Fox's post last night entitled:�Is Microsoft trying to end the reign of mobile carriers? (MSFT+Skype+Nokia). In it, he lays out a scenario in which Microsoft uses their�acquisition�of Skype alongside Windows Phone 7 and their new deep partnership with Nokia to disrupt the system that we've all been familiar with for far too long: carrier dominance. Their aim is to create a new Grid, if you will. And they're not alone. Google and Apple are also working on this goal. Flynn. Tron. CLU.
Then something happens.
I'm reminded of this story when reading Kevin Fox's post last night entitled:�Is Microsoft trying to end the reign of mobile carriers? (MSFT+Skype+Nokia). In it, he lays out a scenario in which Microsoft uses their�acquisition�of Skype alongside Windows Phone 7 and their new deep partnership with Nokia to disrupt the system that we've all been familiar with for far too long: carrier dominance. Their aim is to create a new Grid, if you will. And they're not alone. Google and Apple are also working on this goal. Flynn. Tron. CLU.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Banshee music player now works in Windows, supports Amazon MP3 downloads
A few moments ago, version 2 of the Banshee music player for Linux was released, bringing with it a whole slew of new features, and the addition of an official -- but alpha-quality -- Windows build. The Mac OS X build of version 2 is due later today.
The most notable new feature is support for the Amazon MP3 store -- you can buy and download music from within Banshee -- but unfortunately it's only available in the Linux build at the moment (OS X and Windows support are planned, however). There have also been some significant improvements to artist, album, and queue interactions -- and yes, you can finally right click a track, album or artist and select 'play after' to insert it into the queue.
Beyond actual playback, the user interface has been tidied up -- it now looks a whole lot smarter -- and the Ubuntu One Music Store and SoundMenu extensions have been made official. For a complete list of changes, additions and bug fixes, check the change log.
When Windows support initially appeared in February, we found it rough around the edges and fraught with stability issues. With version 2, Banshee for Windows is still a bit unstable, but it's shaping up to be a good alternative to Winamp, iTunes, or whatever other music library manager you use. It's almost as attractive as its GNOMEish brother, too!
Download Banshee 2 for Linux and Windows (Mac OS X coming soon)Banshee music player now works in Windows, supports Amazon MP3 downloads originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The most notable new feature is support for the Amazon MP3 store -- you can buy and download music from within Banshee -- but unfortunately it's only available in the Linux build at the moment (OS X and Windows support are planned, however). There have also been some significant improvements to artist, album, and queue interactions -- and yes, you can finally right click a track, album or artist and select 'play after' to insert it into the queue.
Beyond actual playback, the user interface has been tidied up -- it now looks a whole lot smarter -- and the Ubuntu One Music Store and SoundMenu extensions have been made official. For a complete list of changes, additions and bug fixes, check the change log.
When Windows support initially appeared in February, we found it rough around the edges and fraught with stability issues. With version 2, Banshee for Windows is still a bit unstable, but it's shaping up to be a good alternative to Winamp, iTunes, or whatever other music library manager you use. It's almost as attractive as its GNOMEish brother, too!
Download Banshee 2 for Linux and Windows (Mac OS X coming soon)Banshee music player now works in Windows, supports Amazon MP3 downloads originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Top Stories of Today: Wednesday, May 18, 2011 [Total Recap]
New Earth | Say hello to Gliese 581d, the first habitable extra-solar planet More »
Some Xbox 360s won't read discs; Microsoft to comp owners with a new system, year of XBL (Update)
There may have been a good reason for that wide beta test Microsoft ran to test out its new disc format for the Xbox 360. While it will allow for an extra 1GB of storage space for new games and (it hopes) stop piracy, apparently some consoles contain drives that cannot read the new XGD3 discs. The details can be seen in the email pictured above posted by Reddit user Avery Penn and were verified as real by the Xbox Support Twitter account, but now it's responding to inquiries by saying the replacements are in response to a previous update and not the upcoming one that has been in beta. Adding to the confusion, Microsoft Europe confirmed the initial report and points affected users towards the support page to get sorted out. One way or another, affected owners can expect to be mollified by getting their Xbox 360s replaced with new 250GB Xbox 360S models plus a free year of XBL for the trouble. We haven't gotten an official response about the plan yet but are still checking, so your plan to hoard old consoles and get free replacements en masse is probably equal parts premature and Seinfeldian genius.
Update: Microsoft has responded, confirming that the earlier statement was incorrect and this is not related to the update being beta tested. If you're wondering how many people are in for a swap, all we could find out is that something less than 10,000 of the 50 million or so Xbox 360s sold worldwide are affected. Check after the break for the official word, but if you have one of the boxes and are connected to XBL you should expect to receive a notice in your email.Continue reading Some Xbox 360s won't read discs; Microsoft to comp owners with a new system, year of XBL (Update)Some Xbox 360s won't read discs; Microsoft to comp owners with a new system, year of XBL (Update) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 11:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Joystiq, Eurogamer, Kotaku | Reddit | Email this | Comments
Update: Microsoft has responded, confirming that the earlier statement was incorrect and this is not related to the update being beta tested. If you're wondering how many people are in for a swap, all we could find out is that something less than 10,000 of the 50 million or so Xbox 360s sold worldwide are affected. Check after the break for the official word, but if you have one of the boxes and are connected to XBL you should expect to receive a notice in your email.Continue reading Some Xbox 360s won't read discs; Microsoft to comp owners with a new system, year of XBL (Update)Some Xbox 360s won't read discs; Microsoft to comp owners with a new system, year of XBL (Update) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 May 2011 11:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Joystiq, Eurogamer, Kotaku | Reddit | Email this | Comments
Apple Computer Applied Materials Arian Semiconductor Equipment
Sinjimoru Sync and Charge Dock Stand for iPhone
These Sinjimoru docks remind me of the earlier white and black iPods with the clear layer of plastic on top. �These docks can be used to sync or charge your iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4 or newer iPods. �You use it with the USB cable and charger that came with your device, and you can [...]
Paul Graham To Hold Y Combinator ?Office Hours? At TechCrunch Disrupt. Apply Now!
One of many things that make Y Combinator special: They hold regular "office hours" with startups where entrepreneurs can get advice on any topic, from business strategy to design issues.
What we talk about at office hours also depends on the startup and where we are in the cycle. Usually we talk about whatever is the most urgent question right now. Sometimes, especially early on, the most urgent question is to figure out what the most urgent question should be. That's less trivial than it sounds; we spend a lot of time telling founders what not to worry about.
(About 10% of the time we talk not about immediate problems but about the big vision for the company. You don't have to be bound by this, but it's good to have one. Some startups arrive with a big vision already, but most don't. It's a useful exercise to spend some time thinking about what the path would be from what a startup is doing now to a giant company, even if that's not the current goal of the founders. Helping founders come up with these big visions is one of our strengths, because we've explored so much of the space of startup ideas that we know what's over each hill.)
What we talk about at office hours also depends on the startup and where we are in the cycle. Usually we talk about whatever is the most urgent question right now. Sometimes, especially early on, the most urgent question is to figure out what the most urgent question should be. That's less trivial than it sounds; we spend a lot of time telling founders what not to worry about.
(About 10% of the time we talk not about immediate problems but about the big vision for the company. You don't have to be bound by this, but it's good to have one. Some startups arrive with a big vision already, but most don't. It's a useful exercise to spend some time thinking about what the path would be from what a startup is doing now to a giant company, even if that's not the current goal of the founders. Helping founders come up with these big visions is one of our strengths, because we've explored so much of the space of startup ideas that we know what's over each hill.)
Chroma Watch from Yanko Designs Adds Color Without Obscuring the Time
We’ve all seen those fabulous watches that use color patterns to display the time, but I often wonder if telling the time with a quick glance ever is possible with one. �The Chroma Watch from Yanko Design lets you have a colorful display without requiring you to relearn how to tell time. �Yanko Design says [...]
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Internet Explorer 9 nears 4% share on Windows 7, IE6 extinction countdown picks up steam
Microsoft has shared some news about the state of its most and least loved Web browsers -- Internet Explorer 9 and 6, respectively. Even with IE9 only recently exiting beta, Microsoft reports that 3.6% of Windows 7 users are now running the new browser (no mention of Vista... what's with that?). The post also reveals that the adoption rate is almost five times what IE8 garnered in the early going.
It's also interesting to note that there are now more than 1,000 sites utilizing Internet Explorer 9's Windows 7 integration features -- like the new desktop notification support we showed you in Hotmail.
But perhaps the best news of all is that Microsoft's IE6countdown.com now has more than 400 partners and is generating nearly two million pageviews per month, helping to lure users away from the woefully out-of-date browser. Can the end come soon enough, DS readers?Internet Explorer 9 nears 4% share on Windows 7, IE6 extinction countdown picks up steam originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
It's also interesting to note that there are now more than 1,000 sites utilizing Internet Explorer 9's Windows 7 integration features -- like the new desktop notification support we showed you in Hotmail.
But perhaps the best news of all is that Microsoft's IE6countdown.com now has more than 400 partners and is generating nearly two million pageviews per month, helping to lure users away from the woefully out-of-date browser. Can the end come soon enough, DS readers?Internet Explorer 9 nears 4% share on Windows 7, IE6 extinction countdown picks up steam originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Elephant Quest is an addictive, deep platformer
When someone tells me about a "platformer", my first thought is that it's probably a simple game that mainly revolves around running and jumping around, with a minimal plot. [Play a Zelda game! -Ed]
Elephant Quest is one platformer that managed to prove me completely wrong. Yes, you do run and jump around, and you also shoot at stuff. But the game has much, much more going for it.
Basically, as you run, jump and shoot, you gain experience points and level up. Hitting Space brings you into an interface where you can convert your experience points into Charisma, Intelligence, Agility and Dexterity points. Once you've "specialized" your points, you then get to pick what exact skills you'd like to enhance in each field. For example, you could use your dexterity to enhance your weapons or increase your swiftness.
The game is played in a huge maze; you go through rooms using doors, and there's a large map. As the name implies, there are quests you can take, too. For example, one quest had me searching all over the place for ten balloons.
The bottom line is that this is a surprisingly deep game that just might ensnare you for a good bit longer than you intended to play. Beware!Elephant Quest is an addictive, deep platformer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Elephant Quest is one platformer that managed to prove me completely wrong. Yes, you do run and jump around, and you also shoot at stuff. But the game has much, much more going for it.
Basically, as you run, jump and shoot, you gain experience points and level up. Hitting Space brings you into an interface where you can convert your experience points into Charisma, Intelligence, Agility and Dexterity points. Once you've "specialized" your points, you then get to pick what exact skills you'd like to enhance in each field. For example, you could use your dexterity to enhance your weapons or increase your swiftness.
The game is played in a huge maze; you go through rooms using doors, and there's a large map. As the name implies, there are quests you can take, too. For example, one quest had me searching all over the place for ten balloons.
The bottom line is that this is a surprisingly deep game that just might ensnare you for a good bit longer than you intended to play. Beware!Elephant Quest is an addictive, deep platformer originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Google Cloud Print comes to HP ePrint printers
HP has become the first major OEM to deliver support for Google Cloud Print in retail-boxed printers. In an official release, HP announced that its ePrint-enabled printers are now fully Cloud Print compatible. Just sign in to your Google account, pick your HP ePrint device, and you're ready to fire off a print job from anywhere you've got Internet access. Well, as long as your app supports Cloud Print as well -- like Gmail and Google Docs, for example.
We're curious, though -- how many of you are still printing? Like our pals at Engadget, our printers have been mostly gathering dust for the last few years.
Google Cloud Print comes to HP ePrint printers originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
We're curious, though -- how many of you are still printing? Like our pals at Engadget, our printers have been mostly gathering dust for the last few years.
Google Cloud Print comes to HP ePrint printers originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
AT&T bringing red HTC Inspire 4G to Radio Shack, purple Evo Shift to follow?
Why, yes, that is a red HTC Inspire 4G you're looking at. A friendly tipster provided us with these dummy unit images, adding that AT&T is planning to launch the jazzy model at Radio Shack. No word yet on when that'll actually happen, nor do we know how much they'll cost when it does. Our same source claims that a purple Evo Shift is also making its way to the Shack, so you know where to go to get your flashy phone fix this summer.
[Thanks, Dave]AT&T bringing red HTC Inspire 4G to Radio Shack, purple Evo Shift to follow? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 10:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
[Thanks, Dave]AT&T bringing red HTC Inspire 4G to Radio Shack, purple Evo Shift to follow? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 10:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
How Secure is My Password lets you know just that
We've all heard it before; you need to select a lengthy password, one that's hard to guess. Not a dictionary word. And it has to have some capital letters in it too, and some digits, and a symbol or two won't hurt either.
That's a handy set of rules to keep in mind, but How Secure is My Password helps us understand why they're important.
It's basically like a full-screen version of one of those password-strength meters websites sometimes use. But instead of showing you a bar going from "weak" to "strong", it shows you an estimation of how long your password would take to crack. That's a much more visceral way to understand why your password is strong.
For example, when I entered "rabbit", it came back with "your password is one of the 500 most common passwords. It could be cracked almost instantly". "rabbit5" would take two hours, "$rabbit5" would take 38 days, and "$rabbitZ5" would take 237 years. It's quite enlightening to see what a difference three simple characters can make.How Secure is My Password lets you know just that originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
That's a handy set of rules to keep in mind, but How Secure is My Password helps us understand why they're important.
It's basically like a full-screen version of one of those password-strength meters websites sometimes use. But instead of showing you a bar going from "weak" to "strong", it shows you an estimation of how long your password would take to crack. That's a much more visceral way to understand why your password is strong.
For example, when I entered "rabbit", it came back with "your password is one of the 500 most common passwords. It could be cracked almost instantly". "rabbit5" would take two hours, "$rabbit5" would take 38 days, and "$rabbitZ5" would take 237 years. It's quite enlightening to see what a difference three simple characters can make.How Secure is My Password lets you know just that originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Access Your Seagate GoFlex Home Networked Hard Drive from Anywhere with Your Smartphone or Tablet
Last year, Julie reviewed the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Home Network Storage System that allows all the computers on your home network to share a single disk for backups and data sharing. �Sometimes you’d like to have access to your files even when you aren’t home, and Seagate has introduced an app for iOS and Android [...]
Monday, May 16, 2011
Gadhafi Now Using Exploding Boats and Mannequins [Dummies]
Moammar Gadhafi is now filling boats with one ton of explosives and sending them out to sea with a crew manned by dummies. In Gadhafi's latest military strategy, these pilotless boats drift until they find a NATO target to destroy. More »
BMW left turn assistant uses lasers to help you avoid running people over
BMW continues to fight the good fight: making sure you hit less people with its luxury vehicles. The German automaker is developing a vehicle warning system aimed at curbing collisions caused by drivers making left turns -- a leading cause of accidents and motorcycle fatalities. The system, which can be enabled for vehicles making left or U-turns while traveling under 10mph, detects movements using the vehicle's navigation system and a single camera. Once a left turn is recognized, three lasers are used to scan for hazards up to 328-feet away -- if one is detected, the car will automatically brake and throw up corresponding alerts for the driver. The company is set to show off the system as part of INTERSAFE 2, this week in Wolfsburg, Germany. In the meantime, the rest of us will have to rely on things like mirrors and looking over our shoulders.BMW left turn assistant uses lasers to help you avoid running people over originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 21:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | BMW | Email this | Comments
Former Sirius CEO Joseph Clayton Takes Over The Reins From Ergen At DISH
Satellite TV and video-on-demand company DISH Network this morning announced today that Joseph P. Clayton has been named the company's president and chief executive officer and has been appointed to its board of directors, effective June 20, 2011. The company's iconic co-founder, Charles Ergen, will step down from his operational role at the helm of the company but remain as chairman of DISH Network.
Clayton previously served as chairman of Sirius Satellite Radio, from November 2004 through July 2008, and served as CEO of Sirius from November 2001 through November 2004.
Clayton previously served as chairman of Sirius Satellite Radio, from November 2004 through July 2008, and served as CEO of Sirius from November 2001 through November 2004.
Take Out Your Frustrations on the RageGage
When the irritations of the day get too much for you, take out your frustrations on the RageGage. �It claims to be a “marriage of cutting edge psychological research and modern high tech electronic device design. The device is designed to detect whether you are adequately and healthfully releasing your pent up anger.” �If it [...]
Classic Shell now makes Internet Explorer 9 look like IE8
If you used Windows XP for a long time (who didn't?), one of the biggest changes when moving to Windows 7 or Vista was the massively-altered Explorer. While the new Explorer introduces some useful new features, it also removed just as many -- which is where Classic Shell comes in!
We've covered Classic Shell before, but here's the crib note: Classic Shell restores almost every Windows XP-era Explorer feature. The best change, in our opinion, is the reemergence of the 'up' arrow, meaning you now navigate without using the Windows Vista/7 'breadcrumbs' address bar. The status bar yet again shows the total size of your selection, and -- praise be! -- the diabolical Windows 7 Copy File 'copy and replace?' dialog has been replaced with a Windows XP lookalike (image after the break).
New to the most recent version of Classic Shell is the ability to make IE9 look like IE8. With Classic Shell the title bar yet again has a caption, so you can see the full title of Web pages. The current security zone and loading progress indicator have been put back into the status bar, too. If you enable 'Show tabs on a separate row,' it's almost like using IE8.
Finally, Classic Shell replaces the omnipotent Windows 7 Start Menu with the age-old 'classic' Windows 2000/XP-style Start Menu. Classic Shell makes the Start Menu skinable, too, if you're into the kind of thing.
As awesome as it sounds, we've only touched on a small section of Classic Shell's feature set. Check the Classic Shell site for a complete list. There's a few more images of Classic Shell in action after the break.
Download Classic Shell for WindowsContinue reading Classic Shell now makes Internet Explorer 9 look like IE8Classic Shell now makes Internet Explorer 9 look like IE8 originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
We've covered Classic Shell before, but here's the crib note: Classic Shell restores almost every Windows XP-era Explorer feature. The best change, in our opinion, is the reemergence of the 'up' arrow, meaning you now navigate without using the Windows Vista/7 'breadcrumbs' address bar. The status bar yet again shows the total size of your selection, and -- praise be! -- the diabolical Windows 7 Copy File 'copy and replace?' dialog has been replaced with a Windows XP lookalike (image after the break).
New to the most recent version of Classic Shell is the ability to make IE9 look like IE8. With Classic Shell the title bar yet again has a caption, so you can see the full title of Web pages. The current security zone and loading progress indicator have been put back into the status bar, too. If you enable 'Show tabs on a separate row,' it's almost like using IE8.
Finally, Classic Shell replaces the omnipotent Windows 7 Start Menu with the age-old 'classic' Windows 2000/XP-style Start Menu. Classic Shell makes the Start Menu skinable, too, if you're into the kind of thing.
As awesome as it sounds, we've only touched on a small section of Classic Shell's feature set. Check the Classic Shell site for a complete list. There's a few more images of Classic Shell in action after the break.
Download Classic Shell for WindowsContinue reading Classic Shell now makes Internet Explorer 9 look like IE8Classic Shell now makes Internet Explorer 9 look like IE8 originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Google Polishes Up Some Shiny New Chrome Hardware
Google revealed on Wednesday a Chrome OS-based notebook, a device it's been talking about for several months. Called "Chromebooks," the laptops will initially be available from Samsung and Acer June 15 through Amazon and Best Buy. The devices were unveiled at Google I/O, the Internet search giant's annual conference, held this week in San Francisco.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
One Day Will People Be Living In Shroom Houses?
Construction material manufacturing often produces hazardous byproducts that are either toxic or difficult to recycle, as are many of the materials themselves. Brooklyn based Planetary ONE is experimenting with the idea of grow-your-own construction materials by making bricks from mushrooms.
Their latest project, Mycoform, places mushroom roots known as mycelium spores into a mold and feeds them with agricultural byproducts like buckwheat husks. In just over a week at 80 degrees, the spores grow to fill the form, resulting in a light yet solid structure. The brick is heated to 100 degrees when complete to kill the spores, preventing further growth.
Their latest project, Mycoform, places mushroom roots known as mycelium spores into a mold and feeds them with agricultural byproducts like buckwheat husks. In just over a week at 80 degrees, the spores grow to fill the form, resulting in a light yet solid structure. The brick is heated to 100 degrees when complete to kill the spores, preventing further growth.
Google I/O 2011 T-shirt puzzle solved, reveals the droid you've been looking for
If unsolved Google puzzles keep you up at night, you now have one less reason to go sleepless: the Google I/O T-shirt enigma has been unraveled. The picture above contains a series of dots and dashes, which our friends at MobileCrunch recognized as Morse code. Using the line breaks as spaces (new characters), the code then reads:
.... - - .--. --. --- --- .-.-.- --. .-.. .- ....- -.-. -.... ...-- ----.
That translates to a URL, which we've linked to below. We won't spoil where it leads, in case you're feeling noble enough to try decoding it for yourself.Google I/O 2011 T-shirt puzzle solved, reveals the droid you've been looking for originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 May 2011 23:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Community | MobileCrunch, Google | Email this | Comments
.... - - .--. --. --- --- .-.-.- --. .-.. .- ....- -.-. -.... ...-- ----.
That translates to a URL, which we've linked to below. We won't spoil where it leads, in case you're feeling noble enough to try decoding it for yourself.Google I/O 2011 T-shirt puzzle solved, reveals the droid you've been looking for originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 May 2011 23:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Android Community | MobileCrunch, Google | Email this | Comments
Level8 15? & 17? Atlas Backpack Review
The Level8 15″ & 17″ Atlas Backpack is a workhorse backpack that will haul your 15-17″ laptop along with a small mountain of additional “stuff” with a bit of style, a ton of protection, and a lot of comfort. Thanks to it’s adherence to TSA standards, your laptop can ride through the X-Ray screening station [...]
Bing begins roll out of HTML5-enhanced search interface
Bing's new HTML5-and-CSS3-enhanced search interface, which was first demonstrated back in September 2010 to showcase the power of IE9, has started to roll out.
The most notable addition to the new interface is is smooth page transitions -- the fade in and out -- and navigation tabs (maps, images, videos, etc.) now persistently float at the top of the page. WinRumors is also reporting that a feature reminiscent of Google Instant search is being added to Bing, with page elements smoothly transitioning in and out as you type in your search query.
If you want to try out the new Bing UI, your best bet is to set your locale to United States - English and pray that you're part of the initial roll out. Alternatively, just wait a few days until MIX 2011, Microsoft's Web developer conference, which is when the new Bing UI should be officially launched.Bing begins roll out of HTML5-enhanced search interface originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The most notable addition to the new interface is is smooth page transitions -- the fade in and out -- and navigation tabs (maps, images, videos, etc.) now persistently float at the top of the page. WinRumors is also reporting that a feature reminiscent of Google Instant search is being added to Bing, with page elements smoothly transitioning in and out as you type in your search query.
If you want to try out the new Bing UI, your best bet is to set your locale to United States - English and pray that you're part of the initial roll out. Alternatively, just wait a few days until MIX 2011, Microsoft's Web developer conference, which is when the new Bing UI should be officially launched.Bing begins roll out of HTML5-enhanced search interface originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Let it Slide is an engaging, difficult puzzle game
I have a thing for physics games, and I've been known to post the occasional platformer or action game here and there. But Let it Slide is one of the brainiest games I've posted to date.
The idea is very simple, and far from original: You get a board with pieces arranged in a particular pattern; you have to slide those around until you get the special piece into its target location.
It's not even about finding out where the target location is - you can just hover over "dim tiles" and instantly see where you're supposed to bring the special piece. But getting it there is a whole different story.
There are five tutorial levels, which I strongly recommend you do. Then there are twenty "beginner" levels, but that's really a misnomer. If those are the beginner levels, I don't want to know what the intermediate and advanced levels look like!
Every time you finish a level you get a score based on how many clicks it took you - each level has a "par" (the minimum number of clicks it could be completed in), and your performance is compared to that gold standard. Because it's such a brainy game, getting it right is quite satisfying. I was downright proud of myself when I managed to finish a few levels. All in all, quite recommended, especially if you've got a few minutes of quiet. It might actually help you focus better later on.Let it Slide is an engaging, difficult puzzle game originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The idea is very simple, and far from original: You get a board with pieces arranged in a particular pattern; you have to slide those around until you get the special piece into its target location.
It's not even about finding out where the target location is - you can just hover over "dim tiles" and instantly see where you're supposed to bring the special piece. But getting it there is a whole different story.
There are five tutorial levels, which I strongly recommend you do. Then there are twenty "beginner" levels, but that's really a misnomer. If those are the beginner levels, I don't want to know what the intermediate and advanced levels look like!
Every time you finish a level you get a score based on how many clicks it took you - each level has a "par" (the minimum number of clicks it could be completed in), and your performance is compared to that gold standard. Because it's such a brainy game, getting it right is quite satisfying. I was downright proud of myself when I managed to finish a few levels. All in all, quite recommended, especially if you've got a few minutes of quiet. It might actually help you focus better later on.Let it Slide is an engaging, difficult puzzle game originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Mopho DJ uses your iPhone to track turntable movement (instead of your movements)
We have to admit, we never thought of this one -- and it's pretty, pretty slick. Instead of using time-coded vinyl to interface your turntable with your computer as with Final Scratch Pro or Serato Scratch, Nicholas J. Bryan's Mopho DJ uses an iPhone. That's right, our man at Stanford University literally affixes his smartphones to his decks via a perspex disc and some sort of adhesive. The smartphones each run an app which sends accelerometer and gyroscope data to a computer, which then adjusts playback of your music accordingly. It's still a work-in-progress at the moment, but if you're in Oslo the first week in June make sure you check it out at the NIME (New Interfaces for Musical Expression) conference. This is definitely the kind of iOS location tracking we can get behind! Check it out on video after the break.Continue reading Mopho DJ uses your iPhone to track turntable movement (instead of your movements)Mopho DJ uses your iPhone to track turntable movement (instead of your movements) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 May 2011 19:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink SlashGear | Stanford University | Email this | Comments
Screen Grabs: futuristic Nokia smartphone answers the product placement call in Real Steel
Screen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dot com.
In the futuristic world of the would-be summer blockbuster Real Steel, Rock 'em Sock 'em-esque robots have become participants in a very real sport and, it seems, Nokia is still going strong -- although you probably knew that if you've seen the latest Star Trek movie. In fact, this device bears more than a small resemblance to the one used by a young James T. Kirk, with it boasting the same translucent shell that encases what's still unmistakably a Nokia design. Head on past the break for the full trailer, and look for the phone to make an appearance around the 16 second mark -- although we wouldn't recommend taking this as a hint of what's to come for Windows Phone.Continue reading Screen Grabs: futuristic Nokia smartphone answers the product placement call in Real SteelScreen Grabs: futuristic Nokia smartphone answers the product placement call in Real Steel originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 May 2011 18:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Fone Arena | | Email this | Comments
In the futuristic world of the would-be summer blockbuster Real Steel, Rock 'em Sock 'em-esque robots have become participants in a very real sport and, it seems, Nokia is still going strong -- although you probably knew that if you've seen the latest Star Trek movie. In fact, this device bears more than a small resemblance to the one used by a young James T. Kirk, with it boasting the same translucent shell that encases what's still unmistakably a Nokia design. Head on past the break for the full trailer, and look for the phone to make an appearance around the 16 second mark -- although we wouldn't recommend taking this as a hint of what's to come for Windows Phone.Continue reading Screen Grabs: futuristic Nokia smartphone answers the product placement call in Real SteelScreen Grabs: futuristic Nokia smartphone answers the product placement call in Real Steel originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 May 2011 18:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Fone Arena | | Email this | Comments
Gallery of Gadgets Which Inspired Modern Day Tech
Over at the Atlantic, ex-Wired.com science nerd Alexis Madrigal brings us a look at the gadgets which inspired the iPad, the touch-screen and that disappearing computer, the iPad. The selection is curated by Microsoft Research scientist Bill Buxton, and contains such gems as the Dieter Rams-designed T3 radio seen above, next to the eerily similar [...]
Gary Vaynerchuk: ?99.5 Percent Of Social Media Experts Are Clowns? (TCTV)
Wine enthusiast, author, founder, blogger, investor and serial entrepreneur (did I leave anything out?) Gary Vaynerchuk dropped by our TechCrunch TV studio in New York City with a bottle of red to discuss his new book, The Thank You Economy with TechCrunch Co-editor, Erick Schonfeld.�?Context is the new battleground for business? says Vaynerchuk when asked to give the Twitter version summary of book.
In essence, businesses need to better understand how to use social media and how to apply an authentic human touch while doing so.�Vaynerchuk thinks current efforts are abysmal. ?"99.5 percent of the people that walk around and say they are a social media expert or guru are clowns," he says, continuing with ?we are going to live through a devastating social media bubble."
In essence, businesses need to better understand how to use social media and how to apply an authentic human touch while doing so.�Vaynerchuk thinks current efforts are abysmal. ?"99.5 percent of the people that walk around and say they are a social media expert or guru are clowns," he says, continuing with ?we are going to live through a devastating social media bubble."
Smart Holder Carries Infinite Cups of Coffee
I don’t like to be mean, but it seems like designer Jongwoo Choi has spent a lot of his work life being sent to the kitchen to make the coffee. However, he took these coffee-flavored lemons and made coffee-flavored lemonade. Now it doesn’t matter how many abusive bosses an co-workers place their orders when he [...]
I'd Consider Buying an iPhone or iPad Just to House Them in These Gorgeous Alarm Clocks [Design]
Harking back to the classic Dieter Rams design, Frog's wooden alarm clock would go perfectly with one of the flip clock apps for the iPhone. And oh, how the iPad looks in that mini-CRT... More »
Friday, May 13, 2011
Add playback hotkeys to Amazon Cloud Player with a Chrome extension
Sure, Amazon's Cloud Player works -- as long as you're in the U.S. or willing to do some tinkering -- but it's fairly simplistic at the moment. There are plenty of features missing which we'd like to see added -- but since Cloud Player is a Web app we don't have to wait for Amazon!
Google Chrome users, for example, can add playback hotkeys with an extension called keyMazony. Once installed, you'll have keyboard control of your Amazon Cloud Player queue. keyMazony commands will work as long as you're in the same Chrome window as Cloud Player, even if its tab doesn't have focus. The key combinations are customizable as well -- just make sure you don't set up a combo that conflicts with another extension or Chrome's built-in keyboard shortcuts.Add playback hotkeys to Amazon Cloud Player with a Chrome extension originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Google Chrome users, for example, can add playback hotkeys with an extension called keyMazony. Once installed, you'll have keyboard control of your Amazon Cloud Player queue. keyMazony commands will work as long as you're in the same Chrome window as Cloud Player, even if its tab doesn't have focus. The key combinations are customizable as well -- just make sure you don't set up a combo that conflicts with another extension or Chrome's built-in keyboard shortcuts.Add playback hotkeys to Amazon Cloud Player with a Chrome extension originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Samsung announce 10.1-inch 2560 x 1600 resolution display, paving the way for a Retina Display iPad 3?
Samsung has just announced that it will be demonstrating a new display panel for touch screen devices at the SID Display Week 2011 next week in Los Angeles. The display will have a huge resolution of 2560 x 1600 @ 300dpi and will be a 10.1-inch panel. What is interesting to us is that the [...]Samsung announce 10.1-inch 2560 x 1600 resolution display, paving the way for a Retina Display iPad 3? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store. TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog
How To Install Netflix On Most Android Devices
Netflix previously all but ignored Android, leaving users confused and annoyed by the lack of love. All that changed yesterday when the app dropped on the Nexus S and several HTC devices. But that's the catch. Only a select few devices currently support the streaming service, so the fun is only for those rocking the HTC Incredible, HTC Nexus One, HTC Evo 4G, HTC G2, and Samsung Nexus S -- unless you're comfortable following a few lines of instructions!
Line Grapefruit is a tricky Flash "path" game
Okay, see that snaking line coming in from the right on the screenshot? That's you. And see those large round circles? Those are supposedly grapefruits, only they won't sit still - they keep moving up and down and cutting across your path. And if you touch one, you die!
That's what you have to deal with in Line Grapefruit. But that's not all - you're also on a time limit. In fact, you have a very limited amount of time to make it through the "path" (for lack of a better word). You need to snake your way through the winding trail without touching anything. The good news is that a grapefruit only kills you if it touches the end of the line - once you've made it past the grapefruit, nothing happens if it crosses the path you've made.
This is not an easy game, but it's quite unique - I can't recall seeing another game quite like it.Line Grapefruit is a tricky Flash "path" game originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
That's what you have to deal with in Line Grapefruit. But that's not all - you're also on a time limit. In fact, you have a very limited amount of time to make it through the "path" (for lack of a better word). You need to snake your way through the winding trail without touching anything. The good news is that a grapefruit only kills you if it touches the end of the line - once you've made it past the grapefruit, nothing happens if it crosses the path you've made.
This is not an easy game, but it's quite unique - I can't recall seeing another game quite like it.Line Grapefruit is a tricky Flash "path" game originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Google TV shows off new Honeycomb UI, plans for Market, SDK; opens up remote app source code (video)
Google I/O is still ongoing and at the session for teaching developers how to build Android apps for Google TV the team has just shown off a quick peek of the new Honeycomb-based UI that will be released later this year. Shown above you can quickly compare it to the original UI to see how different, and hopefully improved it is. The new icon layout should make getting back to live TV a simpler process, while there's also that large space above for widgets and support for notifications. Developers will be able to run their ADBs on devices later this summer, but prior to that it will have a "Fishtank" program for some devs to take home their internal test units to run apps on now -- no hardware modification necessary.
The team also just announced that the source code to the existing Google TV remote app for Android is being open sourced, so anyone who thinks they can do better (it wouldn't be difficult) can have a crack at building their own. Also available is code for the Anymote Protocol it runs on so developers can make tablet or phone apps that integrate with and control the Google TV -- both are linked below. Other features mentioned included support for 3D, and game controllers using Android 3.1's expanded USB compatibility. There were no product announcements before the session ended, and no word on the rumored and expected ARM base for new products, but the project manager confirmed new product announcements "later this year." Google TV will need new product announcements if it's going to receive a boost over other smart TV technology, but the potential of the market and availability of open source code is still providing a tantalizing vision of the promise it's failed to capitalize on so far.
Update: The entire presentation is now available on YouTube, check it out after the break as well as an earlier Bootcamp presentation on the same subject.
Gallery: Google TV - How to build Android Apps sessionContinue reading Google TV shows off new Honeycomb UI, plans for Market, SDK; opens up remote app source code (video)Google TV shows off new Honeycomb UI, plans for Market, SDK; opens up remote app source code (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 16:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Remote source code, Anymote, YouTube | Email this | Comments
The team also just announced that the source code to the existing Google TV remote app for Android is being open sourced, so anyone who thinks they can do better (it wouldn't be difficult) can have a crack at building their own. Also available is code for the Anymote Protocol it runs on so developers can make tablet or phone apps that integrate with and control the Google TV -- both are linked below. Other features mentioned included support for 3D, and game controllers using Android 3.1's expanded USB compatibility. There were no product announcements before the session ended, and no word on the rumored and expected ARM base for new products, but the project manager confirmed new product announcements "later this year." Google TV will need new product announcements if it's going to receive a boost over other smart TV technology, but the potential of the market and availability of open source code is still providing a tantalizing vision of the promise it's failed to capitalize on so far.
Update: The entire presentation is now available on YouTube, check it out after the break as well as an earlier Bootcamp presentation on the same subject.
Gallery: Google TV - How to build Android Apps sessionContinue reading Google TV shows off new Honeycomb UI, plans for Market, SDK; opens up remote app source code (video)Google TV shows off new Honeycomb UI, plans for Market, SDK; opens up remote app source code (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 16:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Remote source code, Anymote, YouTube | Email this | Comments
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Google Teases New Android OS for Phones, ?Ice Cream Sandwich?
SAN FRANCISCO — The next Android operating system for smartphones will include some features that were previously exclusive to Android tablets, Google announced Tuesday.
Dubbed “Ice Cream Sandwich,” the platform will debut some time in the fourth quarter of 2011, Google officials said during the company’s I/O developer conference.
“We want one OS that runs everywhere,” Android [...]
Dubbed “Ice Cream Sandwich,” the platform will debut some time in the fourth quarter of 2011, Google officials said during the company’s I/O developer conference.
“We want one OS that runs everywhere,” Android [...]
Dodge is a space-shooter in which you have no weapons
Space-shooters are usually a fairly fiery affair, with many types of guns, weapon upgrades, power-ups and more. Dodge does away with all of that, while keeping the very essence of a space shooter: Dark background, fast action, and stuff blowing up all over the place.
Your vector-looking spacecraft is the fastest thing on the screen, most of the time. And as the header implies, you have absolutely no weapons; you can't get any, either. All you have is agility and maneuverability.
Your opponents shoot heat-seeking missiles at you; the missiles lock on and start tracking you. The trick is to dodge the missiles while putting them in the path of one of your enemies, thus letting them have a taste of their own medicine.
There are three types of enemies, at least in the first few levels: "simple" spaceships which fire slow projectiles, "tanks" which seem to be more serious and take more hits to destroy, and "circles." The circles simply explode, spewing twenty or thirty very fast projectiles. This sounds dangerous, but is actually great once you learn to use them; they are very destructive for tanks, and can even blow up other circles.
The soundtrack is very techno, but it meshes very well with this type of game. Intense fun!Dodge is a space-shooter in which you have no weapons originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Your vector-looking spacecraft is the fastest thing on the screen, most of the time. And as the header implies, you have absolutely no weapons; you can't get any, either. All you have is agility and maneuverability.
Your opponents shoot heat-seeking missiles at you; the missiles lock on and start tracking you. The trick is to dodge the missiles while putting them in the path of one of your enemies, thus letting them have a taste of their own medicine.
There are three types of enemies, at least in the first few levels: "simple" spaceships which fire slow projectiles, "tanks" which seem to be more serious and take more hits to destroy, and "circles." The circles simply explode, spewing twenty or thirty very fast projectiles. This sounds dangerous, but is actually great once you learn to use them; they are very destructive for tanks, and can even blow up other circles.
The soundtrack is very techno, but it meshes very well with this type of game. Intense fun!Dodge is a space-shooter in which you have no weapons originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
How Google Sabotaged Itself So It Wouldn't Buy Skype [Google]
Microsoft bought Skype for $8.5 billion, presumably beating out both Google and Facebook. But it turns out, Google didn't want Skype. Not at all, in fact. They even went so far as to sabotage themselves from a potential deal. More »
Google Deal Promises to Keep Your Phone?s Software Up to Date
SAN FRANCISCO — Many Android customers know the frustration of buying a new phone, only to find out that they can’t get the latest version of Android on it.
Google has heard their cries, and replied with a plan to get the most-recent updates onto more people’s phones.
At its I/O conference here Tuesday, Google announced a [...]
Google has heard their cries, and replied with a plan to get the most-recent updates onto more people’s phones.
At its I/O conference here Tuesday, Google announced a [...]
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Live from Google I/O 2011's opening keynote!
We're camped out on the corner of Howard and 3rd, but Google I/O 2011's opening keynote hasn't started quite yet. You're still in the right place, though -- bookmark this very page and return at the time listed below for blow-by-blow coverage as it happens.
06:00AM - Hawaii
09:00AM - Pacific
10:00AM - Mountain
11:00AM - Central
12:00PM - Eastern
05:00PM - London
06:00PM - Paris
08:00PM - Moscow
01:00AM - Perth (May 11th)
01:00AM - Shenzhen (May 11th)
02:00AM - Tokyo (May 11th)
04:00AM - Sydney (May 11th)Continue reading Live from Google I/O 2011's opening keynote!Live from Google I/O 2011's opening keynote! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
06:00AM - Hawaii
09:00AM - Pacific
10:00AM - Mountain
11:00AM - Central
12:00PM - Eastern
05:00PM - London
06:00PM - Paris
08:00PM - Moscow
01:00AM - Perth (May 11th)
01:00AM - Shenzhen (May 11th)
02:00AM - Tokyo (May 11th)
04:00AM - Sydney (May 11th)Continue reading Live from Google I/O 2011's opening keynote!Live from Google I/O 2011's opening keynote! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 12:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Deal of the Day ? $400 Off HP Pavilion Elite HPE-580t Quad Core i7-950 3.0GHz Desktop PC with Free 9GB RAM
Today?s LogicBUY deal is a $400 web-use coupon on HP Pavilion Elite HPE-580t Core i7 customizable desktop PCs for as low as $899.99.��� This is the best deal found by LogicBUY.� Free upgrades:� 1.5TB 7200rpm hard drive, 9GB RAM, 15 month Norton Internet Security subscription, and free shipping.� Also save 35% on a 21.5? widescreen [...]
Google clarifies 18 month Android upgrade program, details far from solidified
We're camped out here at Google'e executive Q&A session, and Andy Rubin and co. are spitting out answers to questions from curious minds. While mentioned briefly in the outfit's keynote earlier, the structured upgrade program is obviously becoming a huge focal point here at the show. One of the major pain points for Android owners in the past (and even now, truthfully) is the inability to know if and when your particular handset will ever get an Android update. Epic 4G owners had a particularly hard go at it, but most everyone outside of Nexus One users have experienced something similar. Unfortunately, it seems as if our excitement may be a bit premature. While LG, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, AT&T, Vodafone, Sprint, Samsung, HTC and Verizon Wireless are technically onboard, all of this feels like it was decided upon at the 11th hour here in San Francisco. When pressed about how long it'd take updates to flow to phones after given the thumbs-up by Google itself, there's no hard news to report. In fact, the details there are still being hashed out.
To quote Google, "It's a logistics problem." We can only imagine. Trying to get every Android partner to follow a timeline for releases has to be a complete and utter nightmare, but the company seems certain that these stipulations won't cripple anyone's ability to innovate on their skins (or have too little time to make the needed changes).
We would've loved to hear a specific figure that we could start holding phone manufacturers to, but alas, it isn't to be. The only hard number thrown out today is 18 months. That's how long future hardware will be in the support cycle (at least, anyway), so you'll "soon" be able to count on your next Android device receiving all applicable updates for 1.5 years after purchase. As for phones that use custom skins, like Blur and Sense? Hard to say if that'll slow things down, and it's even harder to say if outfits like Dell will be joining this party at any time in the future. Though, to be fair, Andy Rubin clarified that there's an "open invitation" for anyone not listed to waltz on in. Naturally, we'll keep you abreast of any further developments from the show floor.Google clarifies 18 month Android upgrade program, details far from solidified originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 14:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
To quote Google, "It's a logistics problem." We can only imagine. Trying to get every Android partner to follow a timeline for releases has to be a complete and utter nightmare, but the company seems certain that these stipulations won't cripple anyone's ability to innovate on their skins (or have too little time to make the needed changes).
We would've loved to hear a specific figure that we could start holding phone manufacturers to, but alas, it isn't to be. The only hard number thrown out today is 18 months. That's how long future hardware will be in the support cycle (at least, anyway), so you'll "soon" be able to count on your next Android device receiving all applicable updates for 1.5 years after purchase. As for phones that use custom skins, like Blur and Sense? Hard to say if that'll slow things down, and it's even harder to say if outfits like Dell will be joining this party at any time in the future. Though, to be fair, Andy Rubin clarified that there's an "open invitation" for anyone not listed to waltz on in. Naturally, we'll keep you abreast of any further developments from the show floor.Google clarifies 18 month Android upgrade program, details far from solidified originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 14:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | | Email this | Comments
Portal turret replica has real laser, insatiable bloodlust
You might not remember Ryan Palser by name, but you'll surely recall the good gent's homemade Fallout 3 plasma rifle. He has since stepped his game up to bigger and badder video game weapon replicas, and has just completed the construction of the first of his forthcoming army of Portal laser turrets. Thankfully, Ryan has been sporting enough to build the older version of these human eviscerators (not the upgraded Portal 2 turrets, phew!), giving us at least a small chance of survival -- provided we have the right gear, of course. See the laser-equipped, GLaDOS-approved, 38-inch tall turret next to its maker after the break, or hit up the source link for some gorgeous photos of its construction.Continue reading Portal turret replica has real laser, insatiable bloodlustPortal turret replica has real laser, insatiable bloodlust originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 May 2011 03:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink Kotaku, Make | Ryan Palser (Flickr) | Email this | Comments
YouTube adds 3,000 movies for rental from Universal, Sony, Warner Bros. (Update: they're live)
In the midst of a blog post welcoming us to "the future of video" head of YouTube Salar Kamangar confirms that starting today it will add around 3,000 new movie titles for rental in the US, along with reviews and behind the scenes extras. More details are promised to come in another post later today, but right now the video page appears to have the same list of flicks we've seen before so the question of which studios will bite is still up in the air. The rest of the post also mentions the YouTube Next program to push new original content on the site with "much more to come" -- consider the week of Google I/O underway.
Update: Additional details have been posted on the YouTube Blog and are also after the break -- NBC Universal, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. are the new studios YouTube is partnering with to add the 3,000 new and catalog releases, doubling the amount previously available. The pricing is $2.99/$3.99 for movies viewable via PC or Google TV (no other device support is mentioned) and the FAQ notes that YouTube supports resolutions up to 4K but "most" of the new additions are sadly in SD, a choice which is apparently up to its partners.
Update 2: The YouTube Movies page is updated now, as seen above. There's plenty of well known movies to be seen now replacing the catalog of older and indie movies that filled the page before. Rotten Tomatoes ratings integration is also front and center, while the Extras are on each movies individual page, but really just show a list of related videos on YouTube, while there doesn't appear to be a way to tell if a movies is one of the few in HD before you pay.Continue reading YouTube adds 3,000 movies for rental from Universal, Sony, Warner Bros. (Update: they're live)YouTube adds 3,000 movies for rental from Universal, Sony, Warner Bros. (Update: they're live) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 May 2011 15:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Official YouTube Blog (1), (2) | Email this | Comments
Update: Additional details have been posted on the YouTube Blog and are also after the break -- NBC Universal, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. are the new studios YouTube is partnering with to add the 3,000 new and catalog releases, doubling the amount previously available. The pricing is $2.99/$3.99 for movies viewable via PC or Google TV (no other device support is mentioned) and the FAQ notes that YouTube supports resolutions up to 4K but "most" of the new additions are sadly in SD, a choice which is apparently up to its partners.
Update 2: The YouTube Movies page is updated now, as seen above. There's plenty of well known movies to be seen now replacing the catalog of older and indie movies that filled the page before. Rotten Tomatoes ratings integration is also front and center, while the Extras are on each movies individual page, but really just show a list of related videos on YouTube, while there doesn't appear to be a way to tell if a movies is one of the few in HD before you pay.Continue reading YouTube adds 3,000 movies for rental from Universal, Sony, Warner Bros. (Update: they're live)YouTube adds 3,000 movies for rental from Universal, Sony, Warner Bros. (Update: they're live) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 May 2011 15:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | The Official YouTube Blog (1), (2) | Email this | Comments
HTC Tablet?s Stylus to Cost a Whopping 80 Bucks
HTC wants its Android tablet to stand out from the myriad others introduced this year, offering a stylus pen to complement its new hardware. But differentiation might prove too pricey for customers.
According to pre-order pages at Best Buy’s website, the HTC-made digital stylus will not be included with the company’s tablet offering, the 7-inch [...]
According to pre-order pages at Best Buy’s website, the HTC-made digital stylus will not be included with the company’s tablet offering, the 7-inch [...]
Monday, May 9, 2011
Xplore Technologies' iX104C5 tablet PC is built for abuse
Sure, we all drool over the slender lines of the latest slates, but there's no shortage of folks in the field who dig the tablet form factor and need a more durable device than anything running Android or iOS. Enter Xplore Technologies and its newest bombproof tablet, the iX104C5. This freshly minted model follows its progenitor PCs, the C2, C3, and the C4, in that it has a 10.4-inch XGA display and rugged good looks. Underneath that industrial exterior, the C5 improves upon earlier models with a 2.13GHz Intel Core i7 620UE processor and 2GB of RAM (expandable to 8GB) running Windows 7. It has dedicated GPS, Gigabit ethernet, Bluetooth 2.1, 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, and a Gobi 2000 mobile broadband card to keep you flush with 3G data out in the wild. There's also a hot-swappable 10-cell Li-Ion battery and dual SSD drive capability with RAID support, so your data is as safe as the hardware housing it. Xplore's not telling how much the iX104C5 costs, but we do know it can survive being thermally shocked, dropped, vibrated, and generally abused. All that's left is a snowmobiling showdown with its spiritual soulmate to determine which rugged PC platform reigns supreme.Xplore Technologies' iX104C5 tablet PC is built for abuse originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 May 2011 17:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Xplore Technologies | Email this | Comments
Xbox 360 spring update coming May 19?
If you've run out of beef jerky and had your free Hulu Plus trial go bust, you're certainly not alone. Don't get bored: more bits of new hotness are coming to your console, and they're coming soon. An internal document leaked to our good friends over at Joystiq looks to confirm that the big Xbox 360 spring update will hit on May 19th. However, it'll come in six "separate groups" to "ensure a high quality deployment," so you might not get it until the end of the month, and everyone will have to wait until May 27th to get Avatar Kinect. What else is new? Well, there'll be the slightly larger disc format and support for PayPal, opening the door to a bold new world of personal finance information able to be hacked from your console.Xbox 360 spring update coming May 19? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 May 2011 17:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Joystiq | Email this | Comments
Veeco Instruments Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates United Online
GameCube Fusion portable brings Wii aesthetics, GBA design to Nintendo's boxiest console (video)
It seems like there was a time, not that long ago, where we saw another new hand-crafted portable console every week, each one smaller and more impressive than those before. Those days are, sadly, gone and, whether you want to blame the short attention span of today's youth or simply conclude that everyone's too busy playing Angry Birds, it's a sad fact. Modder Ashen is bucking the trend, creating what he calls the GameCube Fusion. It's a hand-built portable GameCube that plays (hopefully legally acquired) titles from SD card via both WiiKey and Gecko, offering full controls on-board plus an external controller port, all kept cool by a laptop-sourced fan that sounds powerful enough to make the thing hover, F-Zero-style. It's far smaller than 2009's NCube, but the omission of a battery pack means it won't be traveling far. For those who want to know more, every detail will be revealed in the 12 minute video embedded just below -- if you can keep focused that long.Continue reading GameCube Fusion portable brings Wii aesthetics, GBA design to Nintendo's boxiest console (video)GameCube Fusion portable brings Wii aesthetics, GBA design to Nintendo's boxiest console (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 May 2011 09:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Mod Retro | Email this | Comments
iPad 2 light leakage due to faulty LG panels? (update)
We don't have official word from Apple on the subject, but we're hearing rumors that might explain why some iPad 2 backlights tend to bleed -- according to Digitimes' anonymous sources, LG Display was "forced to reduce its shipments in the first quarter due to light leakage problem for panels," and that Samsung took up the slack. That suggests that some of today's vaunted 9.7-inch IPS displays may be from LG's faulty batch and some may be slightly superior Samsung screens, but we don't really recommend you crack yours open on the basis of an uncorroborated rumor (or at all, really) to find out the truth of the matter.
Update: An astute reader reminds us that while LG, Panasonic and Chimei make IPS screens, Samsung traditionally does not. Perhaps Samsung has managed to get its plane-line switching (PLS) displays into iPads instead, as was rumored last month, or perhaps this rumor is simply inaccurate, in whole or in part.
[Thanks, trucker boy]iPad 2 light leakage due to faulty LG panels? (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 May 2011 18:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CNET | Digitimes | Email this | Comments
Update: An astute reader reminds us that while LG, Panasonic and Chimei make IPS screens, Samsung traditionally does not. Perhaps Samsung has managed to get its plane-line switching (PLS) displays into iPads instead, as was rumored last month, or perhaps this rumor is simply inaccurate, in whole or in part.
[Thanks, trucker boy]iPad 2 light leakage due to faulty LG panels? (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 May 2011 18:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink CNET | Digitimes | Email this | Comments
BattlePaint is an addictive geometric shooter game
In BattlePaint, you play a cube. In fact, you're not even a cube -- just a square. But boy, are you fast! And you can shoot in all directions. That's important, because there are baddies coming in from all over the place.
The "baddies" are swarms of other squares, in all sorts of pretty colors. They track you all over the screen, and you run around very quickly and just shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. If that doesn't sound very emotionally deep, it's because it isn't. But it's fun!
After you shoot a baddy, it splashes paint as it disappears. You need to skate across this blob of paint and "eat it up" to get points. This game is fast. It clocked in at around 60-70 FPS on my system, and was loads of fun to play. It does tend to insult you when you die, though, but don't be offended -- I don't think it's personal.BattlePaint is an addictive geometric shooter game originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The "baddies" are swarms of other squares, in all sorts of pretty colors. They track you all over the screen, and you run around very quickly and just shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. If that doesn't sound very emotionally deep, it's because it isn't. But it's fun!
After you shoot a baddy, it splashes paint as it disappears. You need to skate across this blob of paint and "eat it up" to get points. This game is fast. It clocked in at around 60-70 FPS on my system, and was loads of fun to play. It does tend to insult you when you die, though, but don't be offended -- I don't think it's personal.BattlePaint is an addictive geometric shooter game originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Eton Soulra XL: The iPod Speaker Dock for Sun-Worshipping Audiophiles [Audio]
Know why I love living in California? The. Beach. However! There aren't many plugs out there. That's where the Eton Soulra XL iPhone/iPod speaker dock can come in. More »
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Daily Crunch: Looming Edition
Netflix Now As Big As Comcast Cable Printed Clock Doesn?t Quite Work But Is Amazing Anyway Ned Strongin, Co-Inventor Of Connect 4, Dead At 92 The Bluechip BC5i Big Button Phone For Grampy Videos: Japanese Spider-Bot Hexapod Up And Close
Windows 8 welcome screen revealed, looks very Metro
It's not really a secret the Microsoft had planned on bringing bits of Windows Phone 7's Metro UI to Windows 8, but we haven't seen a lot of really telling evidence. However, with the Windows 8 milestone 3 build now available to Microsoft Connect partners, it was really just a matter of time before we started to get a peek.
Thanks to Rafael Rivera and Paul Thurrott, we've now had a glimpse at what the Windows 8 welcome screen will look like. As you can see, the typography is very Metro indeed. Within Windows also mentions that the background image is customizable, and we're wondering if it might not pull from your current Windows 8 theme. This particular shot shows the CTRL + ALT + DELETE login option, but we imagine you'll still be able to log in by clicking your account picture tile as well.
Rivera and Thurrott also mention that the tablet version of the welcome screen will allow you to log in by swiping a pattern on the screen -- as you can on current Android devices.Windows 8 welcome screen revealed, looks very Metro originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Thanks to Rafael Rivera and Paul Thurrott, we've now had a glimpse at what the Windows 8 welcome screen will look like. As you can see, the typography is very Metro indeed. Within Windows also mentions that the background image is customizable, and we're wondering if it might not pull from your current Windows 8 theme. This particular shot shows the CTRL + ALT + DELETE login option, but we imagine you'll still be able to log in by clicking your account picture tile as well.
Rivera and Thurrott also mention that the tablet version of the welcome screen will allow you to log in by swiping a pattern on the screen -- as you can on current Android devices.Windows 8 welcome screen revealed, looks very Metro originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volt Information Sciences Vishay Intertechnology Virgin Media
Proof that Ninjas Have Children Too: The NERF Blowgun Project [Nerf]
Father's Day is coming and, since the courts won't let you take the kids to a strip club like last year, you might as well teach them something about physics and craftsmanship. The Geek Dad's Guide to Weekend Fun by Ken Denmead has projects to help even the most irresponsible man bond with his kids. More »
Inside Mark Zuckerberg's 'Opulent' New House [Real Estate]
Mark Zuckerberg's new mansion might be walled off from outsiders, but it looks like a pretty amazing party pad. Just check out these pictures from the real estate agent who sold the Palo Alto home. More »
Dell Venue hands-on and initial review
The Dell Venue remains unreleased on any U.S. mobile carrier, and is available only in an unlocked version for $499 directly from Dell. It's certainly a solid piece of hardware and it looks like Dell really took some time into crafting a sleek and attractive phone. The phone features a 4.1-inch AMOLED display that looks fantastic, but at 800x400 pixel, it isn't the top of the line, with higher-resolution qHD phones hitting the market. And unfortunately, I have to say the same about almost everything inside the Venue. Now don't get me wrong, the phone is far from a slouch, but on paper, it just doesn't stand up to some of the handsets we've been seeing rumored (and released) lately.The Venue sports a first-gen 1 GHZ Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and 512 MB of RAM. The camera is a respectable 8MP with autofocus, digital zoom, and flash. The Venue has 1GB of on-board memory with an included 16GB memory card, and is powered by a 1400 mAh removable battery. With quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and tri-band HSDPA 7.2 (850/1900/2100 Mhz), the Venue is ready to run on EDGE on either AT&T or T-Mobile, and supports high-speed HSUPA uploads (though it lacks full support for either carrier's 4G HSPA+ network.) It lacks the 1700MHz band for T-Mobile's 3G.That 4.1-inch screen is different than the 4.3-inchers big shots like HTC and Motorola have been shipping with, but with its slightly-curved shape, it comes together to create a unique look. At 4.76 inches tall and 2.52 inches wide, the phone has a completely different feel than most others on the market. It's thin, too, at just slightly over a half inch thick. But don't be fooled by the Venue's svelte figure: it's not light, by any means. With battery in tow it weighs in at 5.8 ounces. It certainly won't weight you down, but you'll certainly know you're holding it.At first glance it would appear that Dell has maintained a mostly Vanilla-flavored Froyo, though after some digging around it's obvious that the Venue does come (very lighty) skinned with a Dell experience. It isn't as noticeable as, say, HTC's Sense (and certainly not as obtrusive as Motoblur), but we can't call the Venue a true “Google experience.” Dell has equipped the Venue with its “Stage” software, which it says will “Organize your music, photos and more so what’s most important to you is always at the front and center and never more than a touch away.” We'll show you more of that in our full review.We'll be putting the Venue through its paces in the next few days, so expect a full review shortly. For now, you can take a look at the quick video run-through and some pictures of our shiny new Venue after the break.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
PQI's USB 3.0 Flashdrive Is the World's Smallest—But Should We Care? [FlashDrives]
We love superlatives—and right now USB 3.0's super speed is a great one. Also nice? Anything world's smallest. That's what PQI is claiming of their newest flashdrive. But is this thing even relevant anymore? More »
Toyota pulls Cydia theme and ads to appease Apple
In news that will no doubt shake the very bedrock of your belief system, Apple has asked Toyota to remove its Scion theme and its advertising from ModMyi, a Cydia repository. The Scion theme has been available for weeks, but after it received a ton of press in the last couple of days, Apple finally lashed out.
It's not like we should be surprised, considering Apple has claimed in the past that jailbreaking is illegal -- but at the same time, did the Cupertino cronies hear about the ruling that made circumventing DRM, and thus jailbreaking, legal? Anyway, whether Toyota was supporting illegal, legal, or deliciously gray and ambiguous, activity, it doesn't matter: Apple asked Toyota to remove the theme, and Toyota graciously bent over and capitulated.
This story raises a much more interesting topic, though: this is the first time a multinational company has publicly acknowledged and embraced the jailbreak community. Considering jailbreaking is technically legal, and Cydia's creator, Jay Freeman, estimates that up to 9% of OS devices are jailbroken, it simply makes good, commercial sense to target jailbreakers with ads. Toyota was simply trying to make some money, for shame!
As long as Apple continues to throw around its increasingly-expansive mass, the legality of jailbreaking will continue to be inconsequential. It will be interesting to see if another big company dares embrace the jailbreak community after this, too.Toyota pulls Cydia theme and ads to appease Apple originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 05:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
It's not like we should be surprised, considering Apple has claimed in the past that jailbreaking is illegal -- but at the same time, did the Cupertino cronies hear about the ruling that made circumventing DRM, and thus jailbreaking, legal? Anyway, whether Toyota was supporting illegal, legal, or deliciously gray and ambiguous, activity, it doesn't matter: Apple asked Toyota to remove the theme, and Toyota graciously bent over and capitulated.
This story raises a much more interesting topic, though: this is the first time a multinational company has publicly acknowledged and embraced the jailbreak community. Considering jailbreaking is technically legal, and Cydia's creator, Jay Freeman, estimates that up to 9% of OS devices are jailbroken, it simply makes good, commercial sense to target jailbreakers with ads. Toyota was simply trying to make some money, for shame!
As long as Apple continues to throw around its increasingly-expansive mass, the legality of jailbreaking will continue to be inconsequential. It will be interesting to see if another big company dares embrace the jailbreak community after this, too.Toyota pulls Cydia theme and ads to appease Apple originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 05:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)