Jumat, 21 Januari 2011

What's new on SlashGear.com

What's new on SlashGear.com

Zynga Continues Domination by Transforming Area/Code into New York Studio

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 03:29 PM PST

That’s right, they’ve assimilated game designers “Area/Code” and have begun to add their biological and technological distinctiveness to their own. This New York group will now become Zynga New York. Social gaming will now commence with a very ironic conglomerating of many design groups into one. Zynga also has offices in Boston, San Francisco, Beijing, Austin, Tokyo, Frankfurt, and Dallas. Each of these locations, other than San Francisco, were once smaller games companies that have now been swallowed by, (not dismantled, as other eviler companies might have done,) by Zynga.

Take a peek at the big list, courtesy of the relatively reliable Wikipedia:
▪ Zynga Headquarters (San Francisco, CA)
▪ Zynga China (formerly XPD Media, based in Beijing) – acquired May, 2010
▪ Zynga Austin (formerly Challenge Games) – acquired June, 2010
▪ Zynga Boston (fromerly Conduit Labs) – acquired August, 2010
▪ Zynga Japan (formerly Unoh Games, based in Tokyo) – acquired August, 2010
▪ Zynga Germany (formerly Dextrose AG, based in Frankfurt) – acquired September, 2010
▪ Zynga Dallas (formerly Bonfire Studios) – acquired October, 2010
▪ Zynga New York (formerly Area/Code) – acquired January, 2011

Zynga released an official announcement that included the following statement: “Area/Code has proven itself as a strong and creative innovator with the ability to deliver successful new games on Facebook and for mobile. This addition is truly deepening our bench of world-class talent, with a team that ultimately shares our passion for innovation and success.”

Area/Code also had some input on their own site, saying the following: “Our ambition is to contribute in a major way to the evolution of games on social networks, to make games in this space that are deeper and more interesting, games that reward the time and attention of the millions of people who play them with complex, meaningful experiences. We believe our best shot at doing this is working with Zynga, the biggest, most successful company in this space.”

[Via Games]

Three Tons of Mammoth Tusks Confiscated by Authorities

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 02:42 PM PST

I bet you didn’t expect to see that headline in your daily SlashGear feed today. Yesterday in St. Petersberg Russia, Russian authorities have indeed found themselves confiscating no less than three tonnes of mammoth tusks from a gang of criminals who were attempting to smuggle them out of the country. Inside the cache this gang was transporting were a total of 64 full mammoth tusks and 14 reconstructed mammoth tusks, all of them originally belonging to mammoths inhabiting the Siberian Sakha Republic also known as Yakutia.

Incase you were wondering, yes, these are the same mammoths that have been extinct for 4,500 years. This small group of criminals had apparently been smuggling similar bones from extinct animals across Russia’s border since 2004, though how many animals they moved and paleontologist Ross Geller was apparently unavailable for comment.

This isn’t the first time a woolly mammoth has been mentioned on SlashGear, nor is it the first time it’s been mentioned THIS MONTH believe it or not. Take a peek at a rather popular post from less than a week ago by the name of Scientist Aims to Bring a Woolly Mammoth to Life by 2016. Are the two events related? Probably not.

Also NOTE: the man you see in the image above’s name is Allen West, who is working with National Geographic on a special called Mammoth Mystery. That show also has very little to do with the thieves in this post, but I do recommend checking it out if you love mammoths: [NatGeo]

[Via Reuters]

Pure Sun Uses Sun’s Rays to Provide Green Light

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 02:23 PM PST

The light itself isn’t the color green, but it’s certainly less likely to put you in the poorhouse via electricity bills. This is the Pure Sun lamp designed by Denmark-based Igland Design who’ve billed this object as “a table that doubles as a light source, using only the sun. Well wait a second, couldn’t I just open a window? Yes you do have to open a window. Isn’t the room then already light? Not if you’ve got a small window. This seems difficult. It is!

What this table effectively consists of is a wood base, a plastic or glass cover top, a mirror inside, and two knobs that control the mirror from within. Once you’ve got it sitting by your window, you adjust it according to where you’d like rays of light to bounce, and poof! You’ve got a bit more light in y0ur room.

Shouldn’t it be automatically adjusted though? One of the designers by the name of Dag Igland writes of this bit of furniture: "If the Pure Sun table had a sun-tracking system, it would miss the point. [A]n important part of the idea is that you have to actively dial in the right angles to capture light … and that by doing that, one (hopefully) gains awareness on saving energy."

[Via FastCoDesign]

Entire Film Shot with iPhone Camera

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 01:27 PM PST

This movie goes by the title "Paranmanjang" (Korean for "ups and downs") and so far it’s got a 31 second trailer and a 5 minutes and 12 seconds behind the scenes teaser for it. Does this mean that the movie is going to be a short? Perhaps. This movie is directed by leading South Korea film director Park Chan-wook. Take a peek at both videos below.

This film is complete and has already been shown in South Korea and it tells the story of a fisherman who finds a body in the water, how he freaks out because of it, and the story of the dead person’s life leading up to death. The film was done in partial financial collaboration with iPhone carrier, KT Corp., who last October sponsored a film festival that contained 12 more short movies also shot entirely on iPhone 4.

Mr Park himself noted the following about the film: "From hunting for a film location, shooting auditions, to doing a documentary on the filming process, everything was shot with the iPhone 4. We went through all the same film-making processes except that the camera was small." Super fun!

NOTE: Upon further research, we’ve learned that the movie is a full 30 minutes, and is therefor indeed also classified a “short.”

[Via 9to5Mac]

Use Firefox? Time to Block that Skype Toolbar

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 12:57 PM PST

Word from Mozilla is that one of the top crashers of Mozilla Firefox 3.6.13 (current version) is the Skype toolbar. This toolbar works with Firefox to detect phone numbers in webpages, turning them into clickable buttons. This extension is bundled with Skype and is clicked to be installed by default whenever someone downloads or updates Skype. Now Mozilla has found that over the past week this toolbar has been responsible for almost 40,000 crashes of Firefox. That’s a lot.

Of course it really depends on the version of Skype Toolbar your using, but furthermore this toolbar uses some methods to detect and re-render phone numbers that will make your DOM manipulation 300 times slower – this effects a large percentage of web content today and is therefor making your whole experience totally crappy. What is Mozilla doing about it?

First, blocklisting the extension: all versions of Skype Toolbar have been added to Mozilla Firefox Blocklist. This is what they call a “soft block” where the extension is temporarily disabled while you the user are notified of the potential problem, at which time you’re able to either choose to continue working with it or to get rid of it entirely.

Bugs associated with this situation are: bug 615799 and bug 627278, and the full blocklist entry will be added sometime in the next 48 hours.

[Via Mozilla]

Duke Nukem Forever Epic Trailer Released Today

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 12:28 PM PST

It tells of a story of Duke Nukem in the past where he destroyed an invasion of aliens on the planet earth. He died, or at least disappeared without a trace, but now the aliens are back, and of course, there’s more of them, and they’re much more gigantic. All seems hopeless until they begin to kill… the strippers. Duke Nukem, even though he’s been in hiding or dead this whole invasion cannot stand for this, thus, he is reborn in Duke Nukem Forever! All the alien slaughtering and inappropriate nude body touching, hookers, and swearing you remember from the original, and it’s still slated for May 3, 2011, as confirmed by this official trailer.

If you plan on watching this trailer, make sure that not only do you have all the kids and animals out of the room, but that your volume is turned all the way up as well. All your favorite catch phrases are here, the classic first-person shooter gameplay, lots of naked women, and a soundtrack that includes at least one Prodigy song (the song playing here in the trailer is “Invaders Must Die.”) The big payoff joke at the end is the best. Also beware of the urinal.

iOS Accounts for 65% of Apple’s Current Sales

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 11:37 AM PST

Oh my goodness gracious. Take a peek at the chart below created by the talented folks over at asymco. It depicts Apple’s quarterly sales since the fourth quarter of 2005, three quarters before the iPhone was first released. The most staggering factor might either be the very obvious upward moving trend without very much of a dip since the chart began, or it might be the face that even though the iPhone (which was released in 2007) was the only iOS device out three and a half years ago, this past quarter iOS accounted for 65% of Apple’s sales. That’s monstrous.

Some of the figures in this chart more specifically ring right around $15 billion for the iPhone and iPad last quarter, with iPod Touch generating $2.3 billion on its own. On the other hand, OS X powered products like laptops and desktops generated only 20% of the revenue where 5 years ago that percentage was closer to half. The total percentage of Apple product sold by Apple this past quarter that WASNT powered by one of its operating systems was 10%. Is Apple no longer a software company? Is Apple almost solely a hardware company? When answering a question on Quora on whether Apple is a Software, Hardware or Media company, the creator of the chart above, Horace Dediu answered by saying it's all three. This question was of course answered before he made the chart.

[Via asymco]

Verizon Tattooed on Mans Hand, Forhead Next (Really!) [Video]

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 10:52 AM PST

The biggest fan of Verizon Wireless in the world is not it’s CEO, not its founder, not even anyone who’s won a contest that’s brought them a lifetime supply of free phones, no! The biggest fan of Verizon Wireless in the world is a man by the name of Daniel Carrion, a man who is a professional tattoo artist who has decided to show his love for the company by tattooing their current logo on his left hand.

But wait, didn’t I title this post with an additional tattoo location? Yes! Carrion’s plan for the future is a tattoo right across his forehead. Undeniably the most devoted fan to a wireless company we’ve ever seen. Why would this man do such a thing? He’s “just a really, really big fan of Verizon Wireless." As far as compensation for being a walking billboard for life, Carrion notes "Verizon probably spends millions in advertising and marketing every year, I'm not doing this to get money, but sponsoring my tattoo would be a relatively cheap way to increase brand exposure, and I wouldn't turn down any compensation."

He goes on to note that his upcoming forehead tattoo needs to happen to secure a future where he says "the logo will be in front of all my friends and anyone I run into on a daily basis." Take a peek at the video for real, factual proof of this wild situation.

[Via IntoMobile]

Japan Losing Vending Machine Edge?

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 10:28 AM PST

Believe it or not, Japan was not the first country in the world to come up with the gold vending machine, the first of which was released early this week. Not a machine made of gold, but a machine that allows you to trade money for gold in a vending machine environment. Ron Paul would be proud, as the USA beat Japan to the punch by a month, while Germany and Abu Dhabi beat Japan by almost a year! As reporter Yoree Koh says, “It’s enough to make you cry into your ramen.”

That’s alright though, says Space International Ltd., the group that was behind the idea of putting these machines out in Japan, who says, very similar to Ron Paul here in the states, that trading all your money in for solid gold is a great investment, especitally when "10,000 yen note becomes wastepaper," or so says a statement released by the group. The first rate, if you’d like to know, set by these machines earlier in the week was 6,800 yen ($82.70) per gram. This machine can give you gold in the form of coins or bars, with the heaviest bar weighing in at over 7 grams.

[Via Japan Realtime]

Angry Birds Valentines Day Edition Coming Up Next

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 10:02 AM PST

The newest edition of the massively successful mobile phone game Angry Birds is set to come out Valentine’s Day with a special pink addition to what we’re pretty sure will be the Seasons version of the game. Seasons already has Christmas and Halloween sets of levels, and this love-based new set would fit perfectly in the timeline. This news was released by DW-TV (Deutsche Welle) via YouTube where the personality speaking notes that “The designers and game developers at Rovio are currently working on new versions of their game, like this update in pink, due to come on the market on February the 14th – Valentine’s Day.”

If you’re in the mood to watch the entire clip, you can grab a bit of additional insight on how the game got its start (with a mother of a developer delaying a dinner party because she could not stop playing,) and simple fun facts (like the fact that originally there was no slingshot and the game made no sense!) Mikael Hed, CEO and co-founder of Rovio notes that the future of Angry Birds has the potential to include additional games, merchandise, and even TV shows and movies! Wacky stuff man, wacky. Check out the full clip here:

NOTE: They don’t mention if the game will be released on both iOS and Android at the same time, but if we had to guess, we’d say yes.

[Via AndroidCommunity]

ASUS Eee Slate EP121 gets official unboxing & walkthrough [Video]

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 09:46 AM PST

ASUS’ Eee Slate EP121 is set to ship imminently, but until then we’ll have to live vicariously through the company’s official unboxing and demos of the 12.1-inch Windows 7 slate. Over the course of two videos, ASUS attempts to show us why we shouldn’t discount the PC tablet, and highlights some of the benefits regular Windows has over more mobile platforms like Android or iOS.

Videos after the cut

As we discovered in our own hands-on time with the EP121, the Core i5-470UM processor certainly means that Windows 7 whips along nicely, and the active stylus and dual-mode touchscreen makes for an arguably more impressive touch experience than finger-use alone. In the second video there’s a more general overview of Art Rage Studio, Adobe Photoshop, the bundled Bluetooth keyboard, 1080p YouTube streaming, and on-screen keyboard and hand-writing recognition.

The Eee Slate EP121 is up for pre-order now, priced from $999 for the 2GB RAM, 32GB SSD model, and $1,099 for the 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD model.

[via Tablet PC Review]

Ferrari FF is a 208mph 4WD four-seater with love-it-or-hate-it style

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 09:22 AM PST

Of all the things we expect from Ferrari, a shooting-brake isn’t one of them, but the Italian firm has revealed its striking Ferrari FF set to go on display at the Geneva Motor Show. With a name that stands for “Ferrari Four” – a nod to both the four seats and the four-wheel drive – the FF packs a 6.262L V12 engine that can rocket it from 0-62 mph in 3.7 seconds.

That continues to the Ferrari’s top speed of 208 mph, with the driver snicking through gears with the transaxel dual-clutch F1 gearbox. There’s also a magnetorheological damping system, which basically means the FF is at home on tracks, snow or the road.

Bizarrely for a Ferrari, the FF’s rear seats can fold flat and you can basically use it as a station wagon, boosting trunk space from 450 liters to 800 and actually making it top of its rarified class for storage. No word on pricing at this stage.

ferrari_ff_3 ferrari_ff_2 ferrari_ff_1

Press Release:

The FF unveiled on www.ferrari.com

A revolutionary four-seater, four-wheel drive V12 Ferrari: exceptional performance and versatility

Maranello, 21st January 2011 – The official Prancing Horse web site, Ferrari.com, has revealed the first photographs of the new FF, the company's most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.

The FF – an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) – ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept. A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution.

This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.

Designed by Pininfarina, the shape and proportions perfectly interpret the FF's harmonious blend of sporting DNA and extraordinary usability.

The FF features the company's first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari's exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 per cent less than a conventional four- wheel drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 per cent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car's electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model's class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling. The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the FF's prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track.

Performance aside, Maranello's latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.

A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the FF. These include six model-specific exterior colours and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather.

The FF, which will make its official debut in occasion of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, is presented today with the first three photos from a dedicated shoot by Giovanni Gastel.

VUDU 2.0 UI released today: HDTVs, Blu-ray, PS3 & Boxee Box to benefit

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 09:00 AM PST

VUDU has announced that the new 2.0 interface is going out today to most VUDU-enabled HDTVs and Blu-Ray players, as well as PS3 and Boxee Box users. The updated interface speeds access to movies as well as introducing recommendations based on viewing history; in an imminent update, PS3 users will also be able to navigate the UI via their Move controller.

There’s also a social feed and enhanced search functionality, and VUDU is using a cloud-based system that should make future updates to the interface more immediate. Those with VIZIO TVs and Samsung devices should eventually get the new 2.0 interface, with VUDU saying it expects the update to roll out to those TVs and devices soon.

PS3_Remote_Help 1 2 3-1 4-1 5-1 6-1 7-1


Android code copying evidence lends weight to Oracle suit

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 08:47 AM PST

Evidence that Google directly copied Sun Microsystems code – now owned by Oracle – has been found in multiple Android files, suggesting the Oracle’s patent infringement case against the search giant does indeed hold water. IP expert Florian Mueller dug through the evidence and discovered 37 files in Android 2.2 Froyo and 2.3 Gingerbread which were labeled “PROPRIETARY/CONFIDENTIAL” by Sun, and had a copyright notice file saying “DO NOT DISTRIBUTE!”

Meanwhile Mueller has also found several files in Android which appear to have been decompiled from Sun’s original java code. Google had originally argued that Oracle omitted copyright headers from certain contentious Java files; now it’s alleged the company actually replaced the original proprietary license with a GPL 2 header, even though Oracle may not have given permission.

“Google said in its formal response that Oracle had omitted “copyright headers”. That is correct, but now that I have seen two versions of the original file, I don’t think that the missing parts are favorable to Google. Actually, the opposite is true. Whether under a proprietary license or the GPL, the related code could not be legally relicensed under the Apache license by anyone other than the right holder (Oracle/Sun)” Florian Mueller

The full versions of the forty-three files in question are available for review, but right now it’s not looking good for Google – or, indeed, their carrier partners using Android.

Duke Nukem Forever to finally arrive May 3 2011

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 08:42 AM PST

Duke Nukem Forever will officially launch on May 3 2011 in the US, followed by a May 6 international release, bringing to the end more than a decade of waiting among gamers. Arriving for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, the title will be released by 2K Games and Gearbox Software, who took over development after 3D Realms folded in 2009.

Video after the cut

Previous rumors suggested a late May release after pre-order listings were spotted at Amazon, but many would-be buyers remained wary of the title.

Pre-orders are now being taken for the new release dates, priced at $47.99 for the PC version, $56.99 for the PS3 version, and $59.82 for the Xbox 360 version (all at Amazon). More details in the press release and video below.

Press Release:

Duke Nukem Forever® Set to Kick Ass and Chew Bubblegum Starting May 3, 2011

Bodacious, EGO-dosed action game brings over-the-top FUN and non-PC humor back to games

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today what will be a landmark date in gaming history – legendary hero Duke Nukem will make his triumphant return in Duke Nukem Forever® on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC on May 3, 2011 in North America and May 6, 2011 internationally!

"The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here"
Duke Nukem is one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in the interactive entertainment industry. Irreverent, non-PC, and uber macho, Duke Nukem is the perfect, uncompromising ass-kicking hero to remedy the overdose of today's gaming archetypes. Duke brings his signature brand of babe-lovin', cigar-smoking, beer-chugging and ass-kicking action as he saves the Earth and its babes from hordes of invading aliens. Where will you be when Duke Nukem Forever launches? Better mark your calendars, Duke's legend is being told this May and his brand new trailer, viewable at www.dukenukemforever.com, promises to blow your mind!

"The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here," declared Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "May 3, 2011 marks Duke's return as he unleashes his brash and brutally honest wit on the world. His return is going to be epic and one that will make video gaming history!"

Put on your shades and prepare to step into the boots of Duke Nukem, whose legend has reached epic proportions in the years since his last adventure. The alien hordes are invading and only Duke can save the world. Pig cops, alien shrink rays and enormous alien bosses can't stop our hero from accomplishing his one and only goal: to save the world, save the babes and to be a bad-ass while doing it. The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, non-stop action, and unprecedented levels of interactivity. This game puts the pedal to the metal and tongue firmly in cheek. Shoot hoops, lift weights, read adult magazines, draw crude messages on whiteboards or ogle the many hot women that occupy Duke's life – that is if you can pull yourself away long enough from destroying alien invaders. Duke Nukem was and will forever be a gaming icon, and this is his legend.

"When I said goodbye to 3D Realms and the original Duke Nukem 3D team in 1997 and soon after founded Gearbox Software, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that a day like today would come," said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “Today I am proud, humbled and even astounded to announce that the day is coming at last for all gamers to be a part of video game history: Duke Nukem Forever will launch worldwide this May!"

Players looking to get access to the Duke Nukem Forever playable demo before it is publicly released can join the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club. A membership certificate for the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club is included within the Borderlands™ Game of the Year edition, where customers will be able to experience the definitive, value-packed collection of the critically acclaimed and best-selling Role-Playing-Shooter that has captured the imagination and attention of single-player and cooperative gamers around the world.

For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, including where to pre-order a copy, please visit www.dukenukemforever.com. Duke Nukem Forever is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

2K Games is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, iPhone®, iPod® touch and iPad™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. The Company's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.

About Gearbox Software

Gearbox Software is respected industry wide for the award winning, best-selling original and licensed video games they have developed for major video game platforms. Founded in 1999 and located near Dallas, TX, Gearbox Software is well known for the creation and development of their original blockbuster franchise, Borderlands, and has developed numerous top selling add-on packs for Borderlands. Additionally Gearbox now has ownership of the Duke Nukem franchise, created and developed the Brothers in Arms series and developed games and added value to many of the industry's top franchises including Halo, Half-Life, Tony Hawk, James Bond and others. Gearbox Software's success has been enabled and supported through several key mutually beneficial business relationships with strong publishing partners including Activision, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft Entertainment, Microsoft Games Studios, Sega of America and Take-Two/2K Games.

Currently Gearbox Software is in development with Duke Nukem Forever published by 2K Games, Aliens: Colonial Marines, published by Sega, and other unannounced AAA games for multiple platforms including the Microsoft Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system, Nintendo Wii, Windows PC, Mac, Nintendo DS, PSP and more.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Microsoft, Windows, the Windows Start button, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies, and "Games for Windows" and the Windows Start button logo are used under license from Microsoft.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

FlipIt! USB charger makes an AC sandwich

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 08:29 AM PST

With more gadgets wanting to get their juice via USB, and the contents of our hardware bags quickly outnumbering the AC sockets on offer, manufacturers are getting clever to ways they can extend what power ports are accessible at any one time. FlipIt! may have a silly exclamation point in its name, but it also has a reasonably compact way of doubling up a standard US AC socket, sandwiching its connection in-between the wall and a regular plug.

As the graphic above suggests, the connections are hidden in the blue rotating arm; the body of the adapter can rotate 270-degrees. The output is a single USB port giving 5V/750mA, which should be plenty for a smartphone.

It’ll also work with international voltages, though since the two-prong plug isn’t a standard outside of North America you’d need an adapter; still, it could be a handy way to double the use from a single travel adapter. The FlipIt! USB charger is available now, priced at $15.99.

[via Ubergizmo]

HTC confirms tablet plans, predicts blockbuster Q1 2011

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 07:59 AM PST

HTC CEO Peter Chou has confirmed that the company has at least one tablet in the pipeline, telling investors that “we hope the product we eventually unveil will be one that meets consumers’ needs.” Speaking as part of a financial presentation today, Chou denied that HTC had been left wrong-footed by the iPad and Android-based slates like the Samsung Galaxy Tab, suggesting instead that “it’s a new market with many competitors, and we don’t want to rush into it.”

Although Chou did not reveal any specific details about the tablet or tablets HTC intends to launch, rumors earlier this week suggest that three models are in the pipeline for the first half of 2011. One, the HTC Flyer, is believed to be a 7-inch Android 2.3 Gingerbread slate that will launch in the US in March; two further models, running Android 3.0 Honeycomb, are predicted to arrive before the end of June.

The tablet news comes as HTC predicts revenue and device shipments to more than double in the first quarter of 2011, with revenue expected to reach $3.2bn with a 29.5-percent profit margin.

[via FierceWireless]

Turnstyle record player concept only glow-wire away from Tron

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 07:40 AM PST

Slap some EL wire on this, and you could be looking at the best Tron-themed record player around. In fact it’s the handiwork of designer R.D. Silver, who set himself the task of stripping a turntable down to its bare essentials and ended up with Turnstyle.

The minimalist deck has controls for power and volume, with an integrated speaker and a bent and curved maze of copper separating the motor hub from the counterbalanced arm. It’s all just a prototype at this stage, though one that doesn’t look like it couldn’t cross over to production with little difficulty.

[via DVICE]

SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up: January 21 2011

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 07:37 AM PST

What’s that I hear on the horizon? Is it Google TV? Take a peek as apps begin separating into touchscreen and non-touchscreen groups to prep for the oncoming. See then another oncoming wave with a wait is almost up advertisement for Verizon’s Apple team-up, while Sub-$100 Android and $10 data plan as T-Mobile attempt to take on the iPhone churn. See the future as UMTS Forum predicts a billion connected devices by 2016. Then what’s that? You’re not in the mood for smartphones or apps? Perhaps you’d like to take a peek at a human-sized holocube, or maybe some lovely Navy Free Electron lasers? All this and MORE on SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up!

R3 Media Network

Editor’s Choice
Soundminer Trojan steals data by listening [SHHH]
AppsGeyser turns any web content into an Android app [WELL PLAYED]
Fruit Ninja gets update with arcade mode [WAAAH]
iPad and iPhone 4 get XBMC media center hack too [Video] [HAX]
iPad 2 suppliers boosted to handle Q2 2011 demand? [CHURN EM OUT]

SlashPhone
Apple new iPhone Bumper Fit in Verizon and AT&T iPhone
Sony Ericsson X10 Multi-Touch Update for All
iPhone Won't Be Available Via T-Mobile in Near Future

Android Community
Soundminer Trojan steals data by listening
Fruit Ninja gets update with arcade mode
AppsGeyser turns any web content into an Android app
Sub-$100 Android and $10 data plan as T-Mobile takes on iPhone churn
Android Market now checks for touchscreen use as Google TV debut nears
T-Mobile Dell Streak 7 rumored pricing incorrect claims carrier
Notion Ink's Adam tablet gets official unbox treatment
Eric Schmidt Tweets Resignation as Google CEO, Larry Page Takes Over April 4th
Google States Honeycomb is a Tablet Operating System [ERRR DUH]

SlashGear
NRO launches secret satellite with Delta IV super-rocket
Logitech Couch Mouse M515 sets sights on your sofa
FujiSoft PALRO robot learns English [Video]
iPad 2 main camera just 1-megapixel resolution?
bModo 12G Windows 7 tablet gets video demo
Verizon iPhone 4 advert: the wait is almost up [Video]
Sabio DM2-PT packs 2TB of RAID into tiny aluminum chassis
Google Offers trial to take on Groupon
iPad and iPhone 4 get XBMC media center hack too [Video]
Tweet Rings put Tweets on a metal band
Razer Onza Xbox 360 controller up for pre-order
Holocube gets human sized and much, much creepier
Navy Free Electron laser Program is 9-months ahead of schedule
NVIDIA Tegra 3 to launch at MWC?
UMTS Forum predicts a billion connected devices by 2016
Spotify US deal with Sony Music reportedly final
MacPhun offers additional $5,000 to person who downloads 10 billionth app
T-Mobile LTE plans suggest spectrum partner by 2015; 10% leave for AT&T iPhone
Antec and Asetek team up for Kuhler H2O 620 CPU cooler
iSkin unveils full line of fashion bags for gadgets
Grace Digital WiFi Bookshelf internet radio thinks it's time to split up
Google TV Android Market access incoming as touchscreen apps now filtered?
AG Findings unveils new cases designed to fit Verizon iPhone 4
Das keyboard mechanical keyboard gets colored keys tops for gamers
iPad 2 suppliers boosted to handle Q2 2011 demand?
New Apple security screws block unofficial fixes: replacing old screws on repaired iPhones
Apple TV XBMC hack makes $99 STB a 1080p HD media center
Dell Streak 7 pricing leak an incorrect "technical error" says T-Mobile USA
Notion Ink Adam gets official unboxing

To see more Daily Slash posts, click here: [The Daily Slash] or here: [SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up]

Schmidt Google unrest kicked off by China censorship?

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 07:26 AM PST

The road to Eric Schmidt’s departure from the role of CEO at Google apparently began when the search giant decided to pull out of China, with Schmidt disappointed at co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin siding against him and withdraw censored searches in the country. According to the New Yorker‘s sources, Schmidt felt strongly that Google should stay in China, and “lost some energy and focus after losing the China decision.”

That loss of focus coincided with difficult times at Google, with the company seeing engineers jump ship to Facebook and other, smaller firms; governments, meanwhile, had begun criticizing its stance on privacy and copyright. Schmidt considered leaving, it’s claimed, but was encouraged to stay and “reboot” by both a member of the Google board and an “outside advisor.”

When that reboot failed to succeed, the sources suggest, Schmidt decided it was definitely time to leave; that, it’s claimed came at around the end of 2010. He will take up the role of executive chairman from April 4 2011 but, according to an advisor, only intends to remain in that position for a year, before looking to leave Google and do something else.

iPhone 4 Universal Bumper suits Verizon and AT&T handsets

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 07:08 AM PST

Apple stores have apparently begun receiving stocks of universal iPhone 4 bumpers, which will suit the controls on both the AT&T and Verizon versions of the smartphone. As we spotted back at the CDMA iPhone 4′s launch, the newer handset has the ringer switch slightly lower down the left-hand side; this tweaked official iPhone 4 case has a longer opening to suit both positions.

Video demo after the cut

The updated case was spotted by Engadget reader Alex, who promptly picked up the Bumper so as to compare it to the original design (as you can see in his video below). The change does mean that from now on official Bumpers should suit either iPhone 4 version, but if you’ve got a fitted case for your current model, don’t necessarily expect it to work on the Verizon handset arriving next month.

[via SlashPhone]

NRO launches secret satellite with Delta IV super-rocket

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 06:52 AM PST

The US government couldn’t exactly hide the 72m-high Delta IV Heavy rocket that took off from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Thursday, but the details of what the military and intelligence craft was carrying into space are far more secretive. The rocket – the biggest to launch from the US west coast - was supposedly carrying a classified satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), to be put into polar orbit.

Exact specifications on that satellite are unknown, but the NRO does supply information to the CIA and US Department of Defense, which has led to speculation that high-resolution imagery will be the main priority. The Delta IV has a payload space measuring roughly 63 feet in length and just short of 17 feet in diameter.

Upgrading the SLC-6 launch pad for the Delta IV cost around $100m, though it’s expected that the site will be used for more launches now that the investment has been made. While discussions have taken place about using the rocket for manned missions, at present only military and intelligence missions have been undertaken.

Logitech Couch Mouse M515 sets sights on your sofa

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 06:27 AM PST

Logitech has outed its latest wireless mouse, the Logitech Couch Mouse M515, and as the name suggests it’s intended for the living room. Unlike many mice, which have a recessed nook where the laser lives, the M515 has a smooth, sealed base that Logitech says is to avoid picking up fluff and crumbs when you’re sofa-surfing. It also has easy-glide pads for swift navigation on fabric.

Otherwise there’s the same Unifying receiver, which allows you to use a single USB dongle with multiple Logitech wireless products, up to two years of battery life, and auto-sleep when you’re not gripping it. It’ll go on sale later this month, priced at $49.99.

FujiSoft PALRO robot learns English [Video]

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 06:20 AM PST

FujiSoft’s PALRO just keeps getting better, with the original educational robot getting an object-recognition upgrade late last year, and now learning English. Seemingly suggesting a launch outside of the current Japan-only market, the Atom-based ‘bot can now maintain a conversation with English users.

Video demo after the cut

As well as explaining what, exactly, it is, PALRO can read out weather forecasts, access the internet and take a picture with a head-mounted camera. The latter is particularly nifty, responding to a voice instruction to take a shot, spotting the most likely subject automatically, asking them if they consent to be photographed and then giving a choice of places to wireless send the result.

Still, it’s the plaintive “Please be good to me!” halfway through the video below that really strikes a chord. Right now, PALRO is on sale to educational establishments, priced at 298,000 yen ($3,596).

[via Plastic Pals]

iPad 2 main camera just 1-megapixel resolution?

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 06:03 AM PST

Continued digging through the latest iOS SDK has thrown up some more potential details about the iPad 2′s expected dual cameras, and it’s bad news if you wanted to use your Apple slate as an unwieldy replacement for your point-and-shoot. According to 9 to 5 Mac‘s discovery, the iPad 2′s rear camera is listed at a mere 1-megapixel resolution, something that prompts them to suggest it’s actually the same unit as on the fourth-gen iPod touch.

As you’ll probably remember, the fourth-gen iPod touch has a 0.7-megapixel camera on the back that’s used for 720p HD video recording or 960 x 720 stills. The iPad 2′s front-facing camera, meanwhile, is VGA resolution and also does stills and video, just like on the iPhone 4.

That could put a dampener on two of the three apps seemingly coming with the second-gen slate, PhotoBooth and the regular Camera app, which were spotted in iOS 4.3 Beta 2 earlier this week. Obviously Apple is going to have to work hard to fit everything it wants to inside the iPad 2′s slinky casing, but we’d hoped for a few more megapixels along the way.

bModo 12G Windows 7 tablet gets video demo

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 05:52 AM PST

With the tablet torrent at CES 2011 we’ll admit to having forgotten about bModo’s 12G tablet, announced in October last year, but the 11.6-inch Windows 7 slate has now shown up for a full review. AllTouchTablet picked up the $849.99 slate – which runs a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 single-core CPU with 2GB of RAM and Broadcom’s CrystalHD video accelerator – and found the Windows experience to be pretty solid, with media playback impressing.

Video demo after the cut

On its own, the Atom CPU and integrated GMA 3150 graphics aren’t going to do much good, but the Broadcom chip helps the tablet handle 1080p HD video (as long as it uses a supported codec). Unfortunately CPU-only tasks – like handwriting recognition in Windows 7 – aren’t as slick, and the 2.5-3hr battery life is pretty woeful when you compare it to the iOS or Android competition.

bModo has slapped a custom UI – triggered with a dedicated touch-sensitive key – to help Windows 7 with its finger friendliness, but it’s the lack of pocket-friendliness which really seems to scupper the 12G. At $849.99 – or $799.99 for the 1GB RAM version – and then another $75 for the optional dock (which doesn’t have an HDMI or other graphics output, and props the 12G up at a particularly steep angle) it’s expensive for a slate.

[Thanks John!]

Verizon iPhone 4 advert: the wait is almost up [Video]

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 05:38 AM PST

Verizon’s first advert for the upcoming CDMA iPhone 4 has been revealed, and the carrier takes the perhaps unusual step of not actually showing the smartphone at all. Instead the ad plays on the amount of time its taken Apple to produce a Verizon version.

Video after the cut

So, we have lots of clocks, people staring at them, and impatient foot-tapping, as second-hands count down to 12 o’clock. We’re guessing that doesn’t necessarily mean Verizon stores will start opening at midnight or midday, though.

The Verizon iPhone 4 will go on sale come February 10, priced at $199.99 for the 16GB and $299.99 for the 32GB, with a new, two-year agreement. Existing Verizon subscribers will be able to get their hands on it a week early, from February 3.

[Thanks to everybody who sent this in!]

Sabio DM2-PT packs 2TB of RAID into tiny aluminum chassis

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 05:25 AM PST

Sabio has announced its latest external drive, and the Sabio DM2-PT manages to fit a dual-disc RAID array into a 6-inch square. Offering up to 2TB of capacity and a choice of RAID 0, 1, JBOD and span options, the DM2-PT has a trio of connectivity options: eSATA, Firewire 800 and USB 2.0.

There’s also a second Firewire 800 port, so that you can daisy-chain units together off of a single host port, and if you plump for Firewire then the DM2-PT can be bus-powered too. The box is made from aluminum for durability, and is compatible with Apple’s Time Machine backup as well.

No word on pricing or availability at this stage.

[via PhotographyBLOG]

Press Release:

NEW SABIO DRIVE BRINGS EXEPTIONAL PREFORMANCE AND AFFORDABILITY TO DIGITAL IMAGING STORAGE

With up to 2 TB dual-drive capacity, data transfer rates of more than 115 MBps and multiple RAID options (0,1, JBOD and span), the DM2-PT is an all-in-one, professional grade, high capacity storage, editing and protection solution, ideal for any field or office application.

SAN DIEGO – January 20, 2011 – Sabio Products, a leading provider of external storage solutions for digital imaging, creative professionals, offices and 'prosumers' who need large capacity, high speed, professional grade content protection, announced the availability of the DM2PT – an extremely small footprint, 2 drive, RAID enabled external storage solution with exceptional data transfer rates of more than a 115MBps. This all-in-one, high capacity, portable content backup and storage solution has been specifically designed for the studio, office, home or field environment and because of its built in RAID controller with RAID 0, 1, JBOD and span configurations is ideal for any data imaging, HD 1080 video editing, DSLR photography, JPEG/RAW imaging or straight forward media protection and back up application.

"Plug and play set-up and ease of configuration make this a natural fit for Photo and Design applications" says Steve King – Business Development for Sabio. "We've specifically designed this product to deliver world class performance at an enticingly affordable price in the world's smallest footprint in its class."

The DM2-PT is compatible with any Apple, Windows or Linux based computer or workstation and features built in eSATA, Firewire 800 and USB 2.0 connectivity for utility and convenience, and with its small footprint (6" x 6" x 0.8"), rugged aluminum design and protective slip cover, is an ideal travelling companion for the most demanding photography, video or content capture field project or event. The DM2-PT is also capable of receiving bus power via a Firewire 800 port and with two Firewire 800 ports, multiple units may be daisy chained to support even higher storage capacities.

"We are exceptionally pleased to bring this opportunity to our Photo Specialty Dealers", notes Mark Gustavson – Executive Director, Marketing and Communication for WYNIT (the exclusive US Distributor for Sabio Products). "The high-capacity, high-speed performance in an compact and elegant form-factor makes the DM2-PT a natural fit for this marketplace."

DM2-PT ships with all cables (USB 2.0, eSATA and FW800) and supports Apple Time Machine and Windows 7 and is compatible with popular editing software including Final Cut Pro, Xpress and Premier.

Google Offers trial to take on Groupon

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 05:10 AM PST

Google has confirmed that it is working on a potential Groupon rival, Google Offers, enlisting small businesses to take part in group purchase schemes. The project was leaked by a Mashable tipster and later confirmed as a work-in-progress by the search giant itself; Google had previously attempted to buy Groupon for $6bn in 2010.

Google Offers follows the established process of offering a certain deal in which a group of buyers get goods or services – such as meal vouchers – for a discount price, assuming enough opt in. The company has said it plans a test of the system before a full-scale launch:

“Google is communicating with small businesses to enlist their support and participation in a test of a pre-paid offers/vouchers program. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort at Google to make new products, such as the recent Offer Ads beta, that connect businesses with customers in new ways. We do not have more details to share at this time, but will keep you posted” Google statement

According to Mashable, Google will pay out 80-percent of a business’ revenue share within three days of the deal running, the remaining 20-percent being held back for a sixty day period in case any refunds are necessary. There’s no word on when the Google Offers test will launch.

iPad and iPhone 4 get XBMC media center hack too [Video]

Posted: 21 Jan 2011 04:54 AM PST

It’s not just the second-gen Apple TV getting a shot of XBMC today; as long as your iPad is jailbroken you can now load the media center on the iOS slate, too. As with the Apple TV install, this is the full version of XBMC rather than just a remote app, supports hardware video acceleration, and the same software will even work on the iPhone 4.

Video demo after the cut

The experience on the iOS smartphone is, XBMC admits, “currently frustrating” which seems to imply they’re working on a better version. Still, it’s an example of how capable the Apple A4 processor – found in the Apple TV, iPad and iPhone 4 – is.

Full instructions here.
Diposting oleh di

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar

Langganan: Posting Komentar (Atom)