| Gmail Motion April Fools' gag inevitably turned into reality using Kinect (video) Posted: 02 Apr 2011 10:24 AM PDT It had to happen. When Google showed off a new and revolutionary Gmail Motion control scheme yesterday, it failed to fool most people, but it didn't fail to catch the attention of some motion control geeks with Kinect cameras on hand. Yep, the FAAST crew that's already brought us a Kinect keyboard emulator for World of Warcraft has taken Google to task and actually cooked up the software to make Gmail Motion work. All your favorite gestures are here: opening an email as if it were an envelope, replying by throwing a thumb back and, of course, "licking the stamp" to send your response on its way. Marvelous stuff! Jump past the break to see it working, for real this time.
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| Dell achieves AMD Fusion, announces Inspiron M102z notebook Posted: 02 Apr 2011 09:53 AM PDT After so many ages of waiting the Fusion devices are upon us, and here's Dell's entry. It's the M102z, rocking an AMD E-350 processor at 1.6GHz and Radeon HD 6310 graphics, 4GB of RAM, and an 11.6-inch display managing 1366 x 768 -- not bad for a little guy priced at $699. If that's a little too rich there's a 1GHz model with half the memory and slightly lower spec graphics for $599. Or, if you really like watching commercials, step it up to the $759 model with a built-in TV tuner. All are said to be available now abroad and should be hitting these shores soon, so if you had your finger hovering over the "Buy Now" button on an HP dm1z you might just want to back for a little while. [Thanks, kamarul] |
| Cablevision Optimum for iPad app now available, streams hundreds of TV channels plus VOD Posted: 02 Apr 2011 09:04 AM PDT The new Cablevision iPad app is out, taking on broadcasters ( Fox, Discovery, Viacom) attacking Time Warner's live TV streaming TWCable TV app by offering subscribers the same channels as their iO TV package and video on demand. The Optimum for iPad app also includes the ability to set up DVR recordings, delete recorded shows and browse TV listings, although it doesn't act as a direct remote for the cable box. The last time Fox and Cablevision squared off subscribers couldn't watch their shows on Hulu or two games of the World Series which, along with a long battle over network DVRs, suggests the cable company is prepared to dig its heels in deep on this issue. Multichannel News points out subscribers need at least one cable box to make use of the new app and the TOS states it can only be used within the customer's residence. Subscribers suitably equipped can grab the app at the iTunes link below, check out pics in the gallery or a video demo by a user embedded after the break. Update: Now we have the press release and fact sheet from Cablevision (included after the break) so here it is by the numbers: 300 channels, can be registered on up to three iPads per account and used on any two simultaneously. Remote control functions are scheduled for the summer, and the company states that since it is delivering channels over the digital cable network and not the internet (no 'net service required) it believes this use is covered by existing carriage agreements. [Thanks, johnnydop, jcdesimp & Michael] Show full PR text CABLEVISION'S NEW OPTIMUM APP DELIVERS THE FULL CABLE TELEVISION
EXPERIENCE TO AN iPAD IN THE HOME Customers Can Enjoy Cable Television Service Including Hundreds Of Channels, Video On Demand, Enhanced And Searchable Guide Information And DVR Controls On Their Tablet Device, Which Functions As A Television In The Home Available At No Additional Cost To Existing Optimum Cable Television Customers BETHPAGE, NY, April 2, 2011 – Cablevision Systems Corp. (NYSE: CVC) today announced the launch of the Optimum App for iPad, which allows its cable television customers to experience iO TV digital cable – including access to hundreds of channels and video on demand (VOD) – on an iPad in the home. The application delivers the full cable television experience to the tablet device, and allows the iPad to function as a television. Like all additional outlets, it is free to existing Optimum cable television customers. In addition to approximately 300 live channels and access to VOD, the Optimum App for iPad integrates enhanced guide information that makes it easier than ever before for customers to find the content they already receive as part of their cable television subscription. Programming is fully searchable, including by genre, and the application includes the ability to schedule DVR recordings and manage previously-recorded content. "This application allows the iPad to function as a television, delivering the full richness and diversity of our cable television service to a display device in the home," said Tom Rutledge, Cablevision's chief operating officer. "It gives our customers the additional flexibility and convenience of watching television throughout the home, in places where set-top boxes might not be ideal or even practical, like the kitchen, bathroom or work room. This is the future of Advanced Digital Cable televisions served with virtual set-top boxes, and just one of many digital displays we are going to be serving through a variety of applications," Mr. Rutledge concluded. Cablevision uses its secure and proprietary Advanced Digital Cable television network to deliver cable programming to customers for viewing on the Optimum App for iPad, and content is not delivered over the Internet. The application turns the iPad into an additional television, enabling Cablevision customers to view the same live programming and VOD content already being delivered to other TVs in the home as part of the service they have paid for. Cablevision has the right to distribute programming over its cable system to iPads configured in this way under its existing distribution agreements with programming providers. Cablevision has been serving customers with switched digital cable for more than five years. Advanced Digital Cable allows the company to switch in multiple digital formats, as its customers continue to buy the latest display devices. Customers do not need to have Internet access to use the Optimum App for iPad. Cablevision plans to deploy additional applications that deliver the same experience to other tablets and display devices, functioning as televisions. The company plans to integrate remote control functionality into the Optimum App for iPad this summer. __________
Optimum App for iPad
Fact Sheet OVERVIEW: The Optimum App for iPad delivers Cablevision's full cable television service to the iPad, which functions as an additional television in the home. At launch, the App delivers the following: - Approximately 300 channels of live television
- More than 2,000 titles of Video on demand (VOD)available today, with Cablevision's full VOD library expected to be encoded and available by early summer
- Enhanced guide information that is fully searchable and able to be filtered based on genre, cast, time of day and favorite channels
- The ability to schedule future DVR recordings and manage (erase) previously-recorded content
- Full parental controls (specific to each iPad)
- Closed Captioning
- This summer, remote control functionality will be added to the App, allowing customers to control televisions in the house.
AVAILABILITY:
Available as a free download to Cablevision's cable television customers in the Apple App Store, starting on April 2nd
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INSTALLATION:
- Once installed on the iPad, customers enter their Optimum ID and password to access programming on the device.
- Up to three iPads can be registered to one account.
- Customers can use up to two iPads in the home at one time.
- Programming (live TV and VOD) is available only for viewing in the home.
- Customers do not need to have Internet access to use the Optimum App for iPad.
CONTENT AND CAPABILITIES: - The Optimum App for iPad allows customers to move from room-to-room with their full in-home cable television experience on their iPad.
- Cablevision uses its secure and proprietary cable television network to deliver cable programming to customers for viewing on the Optimum App for iPad, and content is not delivered over the Internet.
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| HP's Zeen tablet gets Android 2.2 Froyo update, finally (video) Posted: 02 Apr 2011 07:58 AM PDT If you decided to throw good judgement out the window and buy an HP Photosmart eStation just for the tablet, let us start by saying we told you so. Now that we have that squared away, it looks like there could be hope for HP's Android-powered slate yet -- reports are starting to roll in of a long awaited Android 2.2 update for the Zeen. For months, owners of the tablet have filled HP customer service forums with complaints about the promised, but never delivered update, but as you can see from the video below, Zeen owners can now download a beta version of Froyo complete with Flash-compatibility, and from what we've heard, it's a huge improvement. If you must see it for yourself, check out the video after the break, but let us issue yet another warning: the audio in this video will creep you out. [Thanks, Zac] |
| Japanese spacecraft's 'black box' recorder survives flaming fall to earth Posted: 02 Apr 2011 06:57 AM PDT When we reported on Japan's plans to track the re-entry process of its Kounotori 2 spacecraft with a black-box-style recorder, there were still some unanswered questions: specifically, would the REBR (Re-entry Breakup Recorder) sink or swim. Well, according to an announcement from the device's creator, the thing not only survived the fiery plunge to Earth, but it also stayed afloat after plunking down in the South Pacific Ocean on Tuesday. During free fall, the REBR did as it was expected, automatically monitoring, recording, and eventually transmitting data about the re-entry process, and while the thing was admittedly "not designed to survive impact with the water," it continued relaying information even after landing. The next scheduled REBR mission is planned for June -- here's hoping the new guy's as buoyant as its buddy. Full PR after the break. Show full PR text First REBR Reentry a Success
EL SEGUNDO, March 30 -- The first Reentry Breakup Recorder (REBR), an instrument designed and constructed by engineers at The Aerospace Corporation, successfully recorded data as it plunged through the atmosphere on Tuesday night aboard the disintegrating Japanese HTV-2 spacecraft.
The REBR then "phoned home" the data via the Iridium satellite system as it fell into the South Pacific Ocean Tuesday evening.
"It performed beautifully," said Dr. Bill Ailor, director of Aerospace's Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies and REBR development team leader. "The data we've gathered is absolutely unique and will shed new light on the phenomenon of how satellites and launch stages break apart on reentry."
Although it was not designed to survive impact with the water, the REBR did in fact remain intact and continued to transmit data for hours as it bobbed in the ocean between Chile and New Zealand. Analysis of the data will take six to eight weeks.
The REBR is a small autonomous device that is designed to record temperature, acceleration, rotation rate, and other data as a spacecraft reenters Earth's atmosphere.
The Aerospace Corporation designed REBR to collect data during atmospheric reentries of space hardware in order to help understand breakup and increase the safety of such reentries. The REBR project was supported by the U.S. Air Force, NASA, and the Boeing Company. The first flight test of the small, autonomous device was coordinated by the Department of Defense's Space Test Program.
A second REBR will reenter the atmosphere aboard the European ATV2 vehicle in early June. |
| Diamond-encrusted Lunatik iPod nano watch is as superfluous as it sounds Posted: 02 Apr 2011 05:46 AM PDT If you're the type of person who has 99 problems, a satisfactory wristwatch being one, feast your lustful eyes on this diamond-encrusted abomination. ZShock has managed to work its magic -- $18,000 worth, to be precise -- on a Lunatik iPod nano watch, with the end result being something that we'd hardly recommend being caught dead with. Of course, those who'd disagree vehemently are going to need a magic number in order to procure one, but those who are just curious can peek the source link below for a bit of wrist-on action. Temper that jealously, though. |
| CDMA Xperia Play visits FCC, promptly gets dissected Posted: 02 Apr 2011 04:29 AM PDT There are few things we enjoy more than seeing the glittery innards of a device splayed before us in the name of science -- especially when it happens to be the CDMA version of Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play. The Verizon bound phone made a cameo at the FCC today where it was subjected to -- and passed -- the usual battery of SAR tests before getting dissected. What's intriguing about the pictures in the FCC report is that the CDMA model features the same combination SIM / microSD card slot as its GSM sibling. While some are theorizing that Verizon's gaming handset might support LTE, we think it's more likely that the Xperia Play uses a dual-mode CDMA / GSM radio and that the SIM slot will either remain empty and disabled in firmware or that the Xperia Play will be one of Verizon's global offerings. Take a look at the gallery below and judge for yourself. |
| Qualcomm's 1.5GHz dual-core MSM8660 destroys the competition in majestic benchmark run Posted: 02 Apr 2011 03:01 AM PDT Take the 1GHz Scorpion core residing in Qualcomm's current flagship Snapdragon, the MSM8x55, duplicate it, overclock the resulting pair by 50 percent, and give them improved graphics in the form of Adreno 220. What do you get? A barnburner by the unsexy name of MSM8x60. Yes, the 1.5GHz Mobile Development Platform Qualcomm loosed on the world at CES earlier this year has found itself prostrate on a test bench, where it has produced some of the finest graphical performance scores yet seen on a mobile device. The taxing OpenGL ES 2.0 test you see above shows the new Snapdragon doubling the frame rates churned out by Motorola's mighty Atrix 4G (which admittedly has to work harder thanks to its higher-res display) and completely embarrassing older generation hardware like the EVO 4G. That's a theme carried on throughout AnandTech's benchmarking, which you may explore in full at the source link. If you're wondering when this world-beating dual-core chip will be coming to market, the answer is that it's already inside HTC's imminently upcoming EVO 3D and Pyramid devices, albeit running at a tamer 1.2GHz. Exciting, eh? P.S. - Do take note that the Qualcomm dev platform was plugged into the wall during these tests and was not subject to any power management software that may have otherwise restrained its performance as on the retail chips under test. Moreover, the Egypt benchmark can only run at native resolution, which is what's causing some seemingly aberrant results such as the iPhone 4 (960 x 640) ranking below the iPhone 3GS (480 x 320). |
| Hasbro's My3D to turn iPhones into glorified ViewMasters starting Sunday Posted: 02 Apr 2011 01:39 AM PDT  It's about time the ViewMaster got an upgrade. What's that? It's not a ViewMaster? Well, you could have fooled us, but either way, the thing's finally going on sale exclusively at Target April 3rd, and everywhere else starting in June. As you might have already heard, Hasbro's intro into the crowded 3D arena, simply titled My3D, does take a card from the old ViewMaster deck, but instead of enlisting cardboard discs, this thing uses your iPhone or iPod touch to bring you 3D entertainment. If your kid's not already hooked on 3D, the $35 viewer could be a decent starter -- then again, for $35 you could take yourself out to a nice lunch, give the rug rat a cardboard box, and call it a day. Full PR after the break. Show full PR text Hasbro Launches MY3D 360-Degree Handheld Viewer for iPhone and iPod Touch
Unique Accessory and MY3D Apps Provide 3D Experience Beyond Imagination
MY3D Available Exclusively at Target April 3; Seven MY3D Apps Now Available on the App Store
PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) enters the 3D entertainment category on April 3 with the introduction of MY3D, a unique handheld viewer which allows users to attach their iPhone or iPod touch and immerse themselves in a 3D entertainment experience. Touting both proprietary 3D technology and unique 360-degree content, Hasbro is bringing to market premium entertainment and gaming experiences for iPhone and iPod touch users. The MY3D viewer will be exclusively available at Target stores and Target.com on April 3 and is expected to roll out to retailers nationwide in June 2011.
"MY3D provides consumers with a jaw-dropping 3D, 360-degree entertainment experience," said Ira Hernowitz, senior vice president of marketing for Hasbro North America. "MY3D gives iPhone and iPod touch users a highly intuitive and unique form of 3D entertainment, an experience that pushes the envelope for gaming and entertainment."
The MY3D viewer features two access openings which allow users to interact with the Multi-Touch display of iPhone or iPod touch, and includes four different cradles to fit a user's specific model of iPhone or iPod touch (not included). The MY3D viewer is compatible with iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 as well as second, third, and fourth generation iPod touch.
To experience MY3D, users must first visit the App Store and download available MY3D apps to their iPhone or iPod touch. The first available apps include MY3D PRESENTS..., MY3D 360° SHARKS, MY3D SECTOR 17, MY3D TELEPORT L.A., MY3D BUBBLE BOLT, MY3D TUNNEL PILOT, and MY3D SHATTERSTORM*. Once an app is downloaded, users can immediately begin to immerse themselves in the 3D content and/or 360-degree environment.
Each of these initial apps offer different and engaging experiences for users of all ages and interests including an underwater shark adventure, virtual tour of Los Angeles, galactic battles, and a tunnel race against time. With MY3D users can see through the eyes of a shark as they explore and hunt virtual ocean locations, experience the sights and sounds of the Santa Monica Pier, and man the gunner station of a space ship as they protect a vital section of the galaxy. Hasbro is also working with some of the leading names in 3D entertainment including DreamWorks Animation, Sony, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, and Warner Bros. for potential custom content and theatrical trailers.
The MY3D viewer will be available in either black or white for an approximate retail price of $34.99. For more information visit MY3DNow.com.
"As the first retailer to carry MY3D, Target is offering exclusive access to this innovative 3D entertainment that won't be available anywhere else at launch," said Nik Nayar, vice president of Merchandising, Target. "MY3D delivers the latest in 3D technology, creating a fun and interactive virtual world that we know Target's guests will enjoy."
The MY3D PRESENTS..., MY3D 360° SHARKS, MY3D SECTOR 17, MY3D TELEPORT L.A., MY3D BUBBLE BOLT, MY3D TUNNEL PILOT and MY3D SHATTERSTORM app are available from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore. At launch, MY3D apps will be available for free; charges will apply for some MY3D apps in the future. Not all apps are available in 360 degree viewing. Not all apps are compatible with all generations of iPhone and iPod touch listed above.
*The following are the first MY3D apps available on the App Store:
MY3D PRESENTS...
Introduces you to the exciting world of MY3D, showcasing 3D movie trailers, cool video demos of additional my3D apps, slide shows and more. MY3D PRESENTS... is updated regularly on your device as new content is available for you to sample.
MY3D 360° SHARKS
Explore and hunt the living ocean through the eyes of a shark! MY3D 360° SHARKS immerses you in an underwater shark adventure. Choose your shark and then roam underwater, exploring and hunting for new species of prey. As you explore, search for treasure, shipwrecks and other surprises, and learn about the species around you. You can even break the surface to see the upper world. With six unique environments, there is always a new adventure around the next reef.
MY3D SECTOR 17
Welcome to MY3D SECTOR 17, a one-of-a-kind 3D, 360 degree shooter game in which you are the galaxy's last defense. Assume your role at the gunner station, select from an arsenal of weapons, and stop all enemies as they approach. Move fast because danger comes from above, below, and behind you. Watch out for asteroids! With 22 incredible 3D levels including an "endless" survivor mode, cool bosses, upgrades, and multiple weapons, it's time for you to dominate the battle.
MY3D TELEPORT L.A.
With my3D Teleport L.A. you can explore exciting Los Angeles attractions anytime and anywhere...like you're really there! This unique 360°, 3D interactive virtual tour allows you to experience L.A. from the Santa Monica Pier. You can simply explore or play fun interactive games. You'll love your visit to Los Angeles!
MY3D BUBBLE BOLT
Welcome to the wacky world of MY3D BUBBLE BOLT! Become a Fish, Shark, or Starfish and navigate your way past obstacles by tilting and moving your viewer. This frenzied puzzle game is easy to learn, highly addictive and provides endless fun with 25 3D levels. Watch out and don't fall off the edge, or your bubble will drop into the sea!
MY3D TUNNEL PILOT
The next generation of racing takes place in 3D tunnels underground. This futuristic game allows you to compete against other hover vehicles by tilting and turning your MY3D viewer. Use your cache of weapons to battle for supremacy in land, sea, and air. But, you will need quick reflexes to avoid steel door traps, and enemy racers on 12 unique racetracks. Choose from one of six racers. Do you have what it takes to be the best in this 3D reflex-testing racing game?
MY3D SHATTERSTORM
Defend the galaxy from the invasion of the drones. As humanity's last hope in this futuristic pilot shooter, you'll need fast reflexes and an even faster trigger finger to save the galaxy from dangerous enemies with a deadly array of attacks. Rack up points by destroying enemies quickly in succession and earning multipliers. Compete for the top spot on the high score list as you play 60 challenging levels that transform as you progress. |
| Minicaster: the pocket-sized hardware-based H.264 live streaming encoder Posted: 01 Apr 2011 11:27 PM PDT It's not that you need a hardware-based H.264 live streaming encoder hanging around in your fifth pocket, but if you're looking to capture more of life's moments, why not? Scheduled for a proper introduction at NAB Show 2011, the Minicaster is capable of encoding and delivering a number of streams while also recording at the same time, and those settings can be tweaked directly on the unit itself. The company recommends using it with Wowza Media Server, and if you're looking to become the world's next Ustream star, investing in one of these may not be such a bad idea. Emphasis on may, given that the asking price is eluding us at the moment. Show full PR text miniCASTER(R): Livestreaming as Easy as a Phone Call
miniCASTER(R) Hits NABShow in Las Vegas
UNTERFOEHRING, Germany, March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The next milestone on the "Live Revolution Roadmap" is just around the corner and marks the date, when miniCASTER(R), the world's first hardware-based H.264 live streaming encoder in pocket-size can be ordered.
The revolutionary miniCASTER(R) will be shown at NABShow 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada taking place from April 11-14. The first units can be ordered right at the stand SU9502G3 in the "Destination Broadband Pavillion" or on the website http://www.minicaster.com.
The ultra-mobile miniCASTER(R) is the perfect companion for state of the art mobile broadcasting scenarios like newsgathering, emergency response, behind-the-scenes reports from major Sports events, conferences, exhibitions or simply any event you can imagine. While encoding and delivering several streams, miniCASTER(R) is able to record at the same time.
Streaming settings can easily be changed via remote access and are also editable directly on the device itself. miniCASTER(R) works very efficiently and is highly recommended for use with Wowza Media Server(R), the unified any-screen delivery platform from Wowza Media Systems(R).
Michael Westphal, CEO miniCASTER(R): "Our Team has put some extra effort in new features and product versions which will perfectly fit in different broadcast scenarios and help producers/broadcasters to save money and stream live in extraordinary quality within seconds."
"We are very exited to see products that make it easier and more cost-effective for users to stream their content," commented Alex Dobrushin, CMO, Wowza Media Systems. "miniCASTER(R) is exactly that. It is in the forefront of mobile encoders which are changing the way content is delivered from anywhere to any device."
A picture accompanying this release is available in the AP PhotoExpress feed using ref# PRN17 |
| World's first GLONASS-enabled smartphone ships in Russia, GPS ponders a recalculation Posted: 01 Apr 2011 08:57 PM PDT  Well, would you look at that? The planet's first GLONASS phone is now available, but it looks as if you'll need to soar over to Russia in order to use it. Of course, if you've followed the GLONASS story at all you wouldn't find that shocking in the least, and if you choose to pick up the ZTE-built MTS GLONASS 945 on your next trip, you'll be treated to full-on GPS support back in the States. It's a Froyo-based device with a 3.2-inch capacitive touchpanel, 2 megapixel camera, 130MB of memory, Bluetooth / WiFi and a price tag of just under 11,000 Rubles. That's around $400 in real money, which you'll probably find suits you best in your wallet if you've already picked up the all-too-similar Vodafone 945. Here's hoping the world's second GLONASS phone is a bit more compelling in the design and feature standpoint, yeah? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] |
| How would you change HP's Fusion-powered Pavilion dm1z? Posted: 01 Apr 2011 07:44 PM PDT We know you -- you're that guy (or gal!) who simply can't resist dipping your toes into whatever's next, and in the case of AMD's Fusion, you almost certainly went out and grabbed up an HP Pavilion dm1z as soon as it hit the market. Nah, we aren't clairvoyant, just rational guessers. At any rate, now that you've had a solid two or three months with your Zacate-backed ultraportable, we're eager to know how you'd change things if given the golden key. Are you satisfied with the build quality? How's that heat? Feeling any jealousy for those who opted for Atom-based rigs? Are the keyboard and trackpad things you actually look forward to using? Go ahead and vent in comments below; it's Friday, it's your birthday, and HP's got an awfully thick coat of skin. |
| HTC confirms Flyer tablet will get Honeycomb... sometime Posted: 01 Apr 2011 07:02 PM PDT HTC hasn't said much on the subject of Honeycomb for its Flyer tablet since its big announcement back at Mobile World Congress, where it said it chose not to use the OS for the tablet because it didn't have enough time to customize it with its Sense UI. It's now finally chimed in on the matter again, however, and replied to a question on Twitter by saying that it "will be offering a Honeycomb upgrade when it's made available." Of course, that statement's noticeably lacking a specific date (or even a hint of one), and it may well be wise to not hold your breath for an upgrade anytime soon given Google's recent talk of a tighter grip on Honeycomb. Still, it looks like it's definitely still on the table as far as HTC is concerned. [Thanks, Lewis] |
| GameStop details plans for Impulse and Spawn Labs, says it's 'becoming a technology company' Posted: 01 Apr 2011 06:09 PM PDT Well, it looks like GameStop's plans following its acquisition of Impulse and Spawn Labs may be even grander than we had suspected. At an investor conference today, GameStop said flat out that it is "becoming a technology company," and that it does indeed plan to introduce a cloud-based gaming service similar to OnLive as a result of the Spawn Labs acquisition, while Impulse will be used to "compete fiercely" with Steam. But that's just the start of things. According to the Dallas Morning News, GameStop also plans to expand the gaming service to a variety of mobile devices, and it's apparently even entertaining the idea of a GameStop-branded tablet, saying that "if we feel like we could do a better job of making a tablet, we'll do that." Of course, some of that is still quite a ways off, but GameStop will be taking its first steps fairly soon -- it's already showed off a demo of how the service will be integrated into its website (see above, complete with a "try it now" option), and it plans to begin a public beta sometime this year before rolling out the full service early next year. |
| Amazon said to be considering NFC-based mobile payment service Posted: 01 Apr 2011 05:03 PM PDT  As you may be aware, Amazon does actually already make it easier for you to shop at places other than Amazon.com with its Amazon Payments service, and it now looks like it might even be thinking about expanding things to brick and mortar stores as well. More specifically, Bloomberg is reporting that Amazon is exploring a mobile payment service based on NFC technology, which would let you pay for items and receive things like loyalty points using nothing other than an NFC-equipped cellphone. Not surprisingly, Amazon is also said to be considering some other features that would send folks back to Amazon.com -- Bloomberg gives the example of someone shopping for jeans in a retail store who can't find the right size, and says that they could simply scan the jean's tag to order a pair online. Details are otherwise a bit light, and the service is apparently still not quite a sure thing, although a person familiar with the matter says Amazon will decide whether to go forward with it or not "in the next three to five months." |
| Apple patent application reveals plans for external battery pack, spells further trouble for HyperMac Posted: 01 Apr 2011 03:51 PM PDT Way back in September of last year, Apple filed a patent-infringement suit against HyperMac, the folks behind these external batteries. At the time, it looked like Apple was protecting its patented MagSafe power connector, but a newly released USPTO application for a "Power Adapter with Internal Battery" might reveal a more accurate view of the company's litigious motivations. From the look of things, the outfit intends to make its mark on juicing solutions with what is basically a wall charger packing an internal battery. According to the patent filing, the contraption would include a processor for parceling energy to the host device as well as the adapter, and could also incorporate a supplemental energy source like a solar cell. Among other things, it would also communicate with the device being charged to allow users to monitor the juice stored in the extra battery. If the thing does end up making it to market, it looks like HyperMac could have a whole lot more trouble on its hands than a little patent-infringement suit. |
| Caption Contest: Russian prez is impressed by iPad 2 Posted: 01 Apr 2011 02:15 PM PDT In non-Soviet Russia... presidents tend to receive some pretty swanky high-tech gifts. Dmitry Medvedev, leader of the good people of Russia and one of the few men to successfully rock denims with a suit jacket, has been bestowed with a fresh new iPad 2 and his facial expression seems to suggest he was immediately irradiated with blasts of magic, fairy dust, and the smiles of innocent children from across the world. We just hope he hasn't seen the crummy camera yet, he is something of a tablet photography connoisseur. Darren: "Why, lookie there! I can see Alaska from my iPad 2!" Joe: "I can't believe I'm playing chess with Gary Kasparov!" Jose: "I wonder if Barack also likes to play Risk on his iPad." Josh F.: "See? The cat is talking but he's saying 'has' instead of 'have!'" Don: "Kickin' in the front seat, sittin' in the back seat, gotta make my mind up, which seat can I take?" Tim: "Look, it already has Words with Comrades installed!" Vlad: "And this has push notifications for when Mr. Putin has instructions for me, yes?" Richard Lawler: "10,000 apps and it's still cheaper than buying the New Jersey Nets." Myriam: "And so if I tap here, it opens the door to the shark tank... and over here are the laser controls. Cool, eh?" Richard Lai: "Hullo Anna!" |
| Tesla Roadster 2.5 Sport review Posted: 01 Apr 2011 01:30 PM PDT Gadgets come in all shapes and sizes, but it's safe to say this is a big'un. Sure, it isn't exactly portable in the traditional sense, and no 24 month contract is going to make it fit into our budget, but that doesn't mean it can't have a place in your life. It's the Roadster Sport, the latest addition to the Tesla family and released to the world last summer. Version 2.5 is the fastest yet on the road, leaping from zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds yet still getting a rated 245 miles of range. Of course, we all know that rated range doesn't necessarily equate to real-world range, and real-world car performance doesn't always live up to what you read in the magazines, either. Indeed in our testing we weren't able to make it the full 245 miles that Tesla says you can in a roadster, nor did we come close to approaching this thing's 125mph top speed. But, after spending plenty of hours wedged inside the cockpit of this $128,500 sporty EV we did walk away mighty impressed, not only with how it drove but in how it sounded. Read on, and you might just be too.
Hardware
Typically we'd do a set of unboxing pictures for a high-profile new gadget like this but, well, deploying this thing required only backing it out of the Tesla showroom on West 25th and onto the street -- through a doorway with about an inch to spare on either side. Thankfully this was a task handled for us -- just driving this on a city street felt challenging enough, thanks in large part to the color. Telsa calls it "Lightning Green" but "loud" will do just fine. Most little cars disappear in NYC. Not this one. The most jaded of hipsters and poshest of businessmen turned their head to look at this curious little evergreen thing that zipped through intersections without making a noise. If you want to be subtle, pick a different color. Maybe a nice shade of silver. It's so quiet because it is, of course, a battery-powered electric car. There's no hint of hybrid trickery here, not a whiff of combusted fuel, just a big lump filled with lithium ions tucked behind the seat and a hand-wound electric motor slung down behind the rear wheels. That 375 volt motor puts down 295lb-ft of torque in Sport guise (273 if you go for the $19,000 cheaper base Roadster) and 288HP. It has a torque curve so flat you could build a boat on it. That's paired with a 53kWh li-Ion battery pack that contains 6,831 cells and is about the same size as a chest freezer. It slots into the chassis where your average Lotus Elise would get a Toyota-sourced 1.8 liter engine, this car sharing a frame and a lot of DNA with that little roadster from Hethel. Tesla indicates that less than 10 percent of the two cars are actually shared, but it sure feels like a lot more. That's not a bad thing, mind. The result is a two-seater with a removable fabric lid (there's an optional carbon hardtop) that has a wheelbase of 92.6-inches and a curb weight of 2,723lb. That's over 700lbs more than an American-spec Elise, but its 288HP does compare quite favorably to that the other's 189. And while you might think the lack of internal explosions piped through a sports-tuned exhaust might make for a tiresomely quiet affair, think again. Driving this car sounds like cruising around in Blade Runner, but you don't have to debate the implications of origami unicorns. This is for real. Taking a seat Getting gracefully into and out of the Roadster is, again like the Elise, something that takes a little practice. It's a bit like squeezing into a fiberglass karting seat, except here that seat is clad in leather. It also isn't bolted to the chassis, but if you're expecting power adjusters or lumbar support boy oh boy are you reading the wrong review. Plop down first then swing the legs in and you'll be ready to go sans-hernia. The little Momo wheel falls right to hand, the simple brake and gas pedal nicely under-foot. Yes, that's all your tootsies will have to do here. There's a single-speed transmission, so no clutch required. And yes, we did just say how much we preferred having a traditional gearbox to driving something with flappy paddles, but this is different. Here instead of having a computer shift for you there's no shifting to do at all. Sure, that seems boring, but the basic result is that you're always running in first gear. Since the engine can manage 14,000 RPM it never needs another gear and the result is amazing throttle response that will put passengers in neck braces should you not give them the courtesy of a heads-up before dipping into the throttle. It is a bit of a bummer to lose the feeling of rowing through the gears as you flow through the corners, but really it's proper throttle response at any speed that is the real joy of driving a manual, and this car has that in spades. That's especially true in Performance Mode. Give the key another twist to enable it and suddenly the gas pedal becomes hugely more responsive, and even more likely to induce whiplash in those sitting to the drivers' right. The trip The car was picked up in New York City, one of the worst places in the civilized world to drive. So away we went, heading due north to a Level 2 charging station with our name on it up in Albany, NY. On the highway it's a little over 150 miles, but that's no fun -- and battery-powered EVs don't necessarily like long stretches at high speed anyway. So we wound our way up along the river, burning no more gasoline than Henry Hudson did on his journey through these parts, and also doing without any nasty mutiny business. Mind you, the river that would be named after him is hardly a jaunty affair, but many of the roads that run along it are, and the Roadster Sport handled them with aplomb. It offers user-tweakable suspension on all four corners plus adjustable rollbars. We weren't privy to the car's default settings but it did feel a bit soft, breaking neither backs nor bums when crashing over Empire State potholes. Still, it wasn't exactly a comfortable ride, and it certainly handled the corners smoothly and with composure. Steering is all manual here so don't give up on those wrist strength exercises, but do relish the direct connection to the road that you get in return. Also enjoy the cramped seats that are neither particularly comfortable nor supportive. They are, however, light years beyond a real kart seat. The interior has elsewhere been tarted up with some gratuitous carbon fiber bits that look cool until the sun hits them. The glossy surfaces reflect right into your eyes as you summit a crest, sending you plunging over the edge to your doom, blind. A matte surface like that used on Adrian Newey's F1 cars would have been a little less blingy but rather more safe. The Alpine-sourced head-unit has plenty of functionality, including an iPod dock connector lounging down in the center console and a USB port hidden under the dash. (Also hidden is the nigh-useless cupholder, which we didn't notice until many hours in the car -- it failed to keep a single drink upright.) It'll do Bluetooth audio and let you do hands-free calling as well, but the interface is clunky and slow.  And then there's the breeze, which whistles in around the windows and from somewhere down in the footwell. Yes, this is with the cloth top firmly in place and the windows up and the vents closed. It's a drafty car, which is a bit of an issue when you're trying to maximize range and minimize usage of the heater. As it turns out we didn't really need to worry. We made the trip up with the heated seats cranked and the heat blowing -- though just barely. It was just a tick under 165 miles and we coasted in with the car showing zero range. That's something of a safety measure, though: when the charge gets low the car stops trying to give you an estimate, which definitely dials up the pucker factor on your range anxiety, but doesn't necessarily mean imminent doom. On the way back we used the seats and heat much more sparingly, and spent a little less time in performance mode -- but still had a lot of fun. The result was still covering the 165 mile difference but this time the car showed more than 50 miles of range left at our destination. Not bad for a day that hovered around freezing. Wrap-up The Tesla Roadster 2.5 Sport is one heck of a car. The interior doesn't exactly feel like what you'd expect for your $130k and it isn't the most comfortable place to be. But, that's not what this is about. That doesn't matter. It's a sports car, designed to be sporty, and that it is. This is cliché but it really does feel like an Elise on steroids: slower to change its direction and certainly no marathon runner, but more than capable of throwing you in your seat with just a twitch. Obviously at that price it's not an EV for everybody, and the $7,500 federal tax break won't do much to help, but those considering far more expensive metal would do well to put this car on their shopping list. Sure, it won't threaten any land speed records on the Salt Flats nor does it come draped with lusty Italian heritage. But its looks will turn heads and, if that doesn't work, the instant oomph here at any speed will snap necks. Which of those two features takes priority is of course up to you, but if it's the former then you should definitely go for the green. |
| GameStop snaps up Spawn Labs, Impulse game distribution platform Posted: 01 Apr 2011 01:16 PM PDT  We wouldn't count on its retail business going away anytime soon, but it looks like GameStop is now also betting heavily on a digitally-distributed future. To that end, the company has just announced that it's acquiring both Spawn Labs and Steam-competitor Impulse, the latter of which it's buying out from parent company Stardock Systems. While Spawn Labs may not be the most familiar name, you might remember its HD-720 set-top box -- essentially a Slingbox for your game consoles -- which we first checked out way back in 2009 and finally started shipping in early 2010. It sounds like GameStop may have some even grander ambitions for the technology than that, however, as the company's press release says that it's now testing a "new consumer interface" that will give users "immediate access to a wide selection of high-definition video games on demand on any Internet-enabled device." As our pals at Joystiq note, that sounds an awful lot like OnLive-esque cloud-based gaming service, but GameStop unfortunately isn't offering many other hints at the moment. Show full PR text GameStop Announces Acquisition of Spawn Labs and Agreement to Acquire Impulse, Inc.
Streaming technology company and digital distribution platform further advances GameStop's digital strategy
GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), the world's largest multichannel video game retailer, today announced the acquisition of Spawn Labs, a streaming technology company. In addition, GameStop announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase Impulse, Inc., a subsidiary of Stardock Systems, Inc., and a leader in digital distribution. The Impulse acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in May 2011.
Spawn Labs, part of the GameStop network, brings patented technology and a talented team of technologists with unique game streaming and virtualization expertise. The Spawn Labs team will work closely with GameStop's existing R&D group to develop GameStop's growing suite of digital game products and services.
Once the Spawn Labs integration and testing on a new consumer interface is complete, users will have immediate access to a wide selection of high-definition video games on demand on any Internet-enabled device.
"Our customers are gaming in many locations and on many devices, and we need to deliver the same great immersive experience that they have come to expect," said GameStop President Tony Bartel. "Spawn Labs and Impulse provide a customer-friendly and publisher-friendly way for us to accomplish this."
Impulse, Inc. provides a proven digital distribution platform that allows users to quickly and easily find their favorite games and download them to their Internet-connected devices.
J. Paul Raines, chief executive officer of GameStop, said, "With these important acquisitions, we will continue to make appropriate investments related to our multichannel strategy. GameStop is uniquely positioned to be the leader in both the physical and digital gaming space."
For users, developers and publishers, Impulse will offer three specific components:
* Impulse::Client - allows gamers to have instant access to a library of more than 1,100 games on day one as well as the ability to manage their game-related downloads and purchases.
* Impulse::Reactor - provides content publishers customer friendly DRM and copy protection tools. It also allows developers to enable achievements, account management, friend lists, chat, multiplayer lobbies, and cloud storage within their games.
* Impulse::Publisher - allows publishers to manage all aspects of their game with powerful real-time reporting and management tools.
Impulse, Inc. will remain an actively running business with full integration on GameStop.com anticipated within the next few months. To learn more about Impulse, Inc. and Spawn Labs, visit www.impulsedriven.com and www.Spawnlabs.com.
Media Conference Call Information
Tony Bartel, president, and Shawn Freeman, senior vice president and general manager of digital for GameStop, will host a media conference call at 10 a.m. Central Time (11 a.m. Eastern Time) on Monday, April 4, 2011 to discuss the acquisitions. To access the conference call in number and accompanying passcode, media outlets and working journalists should email PublicRelations@GameStop.com. The conference call will be simulcast on the Internet at http://investor.gamestop.com/ and will be archived on the website until April 29, 2011.
About GameStop Corp.
GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is the world's largest multichannel video game retailer. GameStop's retail network and family of brands include more than 6,670 company-operated stores in 17 countries worldwide, www.Kongregate.com, a leading browser-based game site with more than 13 million monthly unique visitors, and Game Informer(R) magazine, the leading multi-platform video game publication. The company also sells video games and related merchandise at www.GameStop.com. General information on GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company's corporate website.
Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, the outlook for fiscal 2011, future financial and operating results, projected store openings, the company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of GameStop's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. GameStop undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: the inability to obtain sufficient quantities of product to meet consumer demand, including console hardware and accessories; the timing of release of video game titles for next generation consoles; the risks associated with expanded international operations and the integration of acquisitions; the impact of increased competition and changing technology in the video game industry, including browser and mobile games and alternative methods of distribution; and economic, regulatory and other events, including litigation, that could reduce or impact consumer demand or affect the company's business. Additional factors that could cause GameStop's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in GameStop's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011 filed with the SEC and available at the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov or http://investor.gamestop.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6667210⟨=en
SOURCE: GameStop Corp. |
| London scraps plans for cellular coverage on the tube, bums Huawei out Posted: 01 Apr 2011 12:47 PM PDT Technical complexity and financial naiveté have meant that London's ambitious plans to cover its underground train network with cellular signal by the 2012 Olympics are hitting the scrapheap. In spite of Huawei's most generous offer to provide £50 million ($81m) of equipment for the project for free, the London Mayor's wish that UK mobile operators be the ones to foot the installation bill -- without a penny coming out of public coffers -- has unsurprisingly found little favor. Compounded with the logistical hellride of trying to get everything up and running by next summer, that's now led to a mutual agreement among all parties concerned to abandon the project. Mind you, the plans to get WiFi up at 120 stations in time for the Olympics are still on track, so at least we'll be able to pull down some data before diving into those dark, damp tunnels. |
| Frys lists WiFi-only Galaxy Tab at $350, now accepting pre-orders Posted: 01 Apr 2011 12:29 PM PDT $399.99 for a WiFi-only Galaxy Tab not low enough to pique your interest? Then perhaps $349.99 will be a bit more to your liking. While there's still no indication of a release date, Frys.com is now accepting pre-orders for the device at that price, which is presumably not a mistake. Of course, the device itself is identical to the regular Galaxy Tab apart from that "wifi-only" bit, including the same 7-inch display, 16GB of storage, and Android 2.2 with Flash 10.1 support. Those willing to sign a contract will soon be able to get a 3G model for even less, however, with Sprint now set to offer the Tab for a mere $200 on a two-year contract. [Thanks, Andy] |
| Spiral training Android application turns anyone into Peyton Manning... in theory (video) Posted: 01 Apr 2011 12:01 PM PDT Ah, ingenuity. We've seen Google's Android platform used for a host of unorthodox applications over the years, but Ben Kokes' concoction deserves a round of golf claps to call its own. The so-called Replay Football system employs a Bluetooth-enabled Nerf football with a 9-axis inertial sensing motion processing module (MPU-6000 by InvenSense), and when linked to a visualization / throw analysis application, you're able to analyze the rotation of a football in real-time as it's thrown. From there, the app breaks down the nuts and bolts of the toss, and while it's not able to blurt out pointers on correcting things just yet, we're seeing endless potential for the next revision. Don't believe us? There's a video just below that'll make a believer out of you, yet. |
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